………………………….Contents of this page …………………………………………
SHAME IS A COMMON HUMAN CONDITION
FEAR OF SHAME EXPLAINS A LOT ABOUT TRUMP AND HIS FOLLOWERS
ABSCENCE OF SHAME CHANGES LOYALTY
MAGA SHAME IS A LIABILITY FOR DEMOCRACY
PRINCIPLES OF SHAME
Shame is a feeling we get when we believe there is something wrong with who we are, not just with what we did. Instead of thinking “I did something bad,” a person feeling shame often thinks “I am bad.” This can make someone want to hide, avoid other people, and feel small or worthless.
In some ways, shame can play a role in helping people live together in groups. It can warn us that our actions are going against our own values or our community’s rules. When that happens, it can push us to apologize, fix what we did, or change our behavior so we can rebuild trust with others.
Shame becomes a problem when it is too strong, happens all the time, or is used to control people. Then it can lead to pulling away from others, harsh self-criticism, or feeling trapped in negative thoughts about yourself. A healthier way to handle shame is to ask whether the standards you’re judging yourself by are fair, to separate “I did something wrong” from “I am wrong,” and to look for honest conversation, kindness, and real steps to make things better.