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We live in a much more liberated and more unrestrained society than our ancestors could've imagined. Incorporating Western cultures has liberated many groups in many ways, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, freeing women from oppression, freedom of choice in careers and freedom of expression in general.
While some are taking this opportunity and running with it, others may be taking advantage and letting out more than they should. The idea is that being open is often being celebrated. However, how much is too much? Which brings about the question, should we bring back shame in society? On social platforms, people compete for views by telling the most shocking and immoral stories without shame.
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We must give freedom of expression the flowers it deserves because it brought us inclusivity, the body positivity movement, tackling race issues, abuse, and so much more.
However, now we're in an era where lack of shame in society has glorified some things we know are wrong and toxic. We see it on social media daily, where people pridefully expose the most immoral behaviours. Things like the side chick culture which is causing more broken families than wars did.
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Mistreatment in relationships in the name of proving that you can never take an L, and so you break someone's heart first before they break yours. The freedom to wear whatever you like, without the consideration of those around you, such as children. Yes, the idea to bring back shame in society could work in limiting people from oversharing things that should remain private, but it could also bring morals back in fashion.
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However, deciding what to shame and what not to shame will definitely bring about friction, as people will always have differing views. This is simply because people are becoming more self-centred and, therefore, will advocate for what serves them personally and not what is good for their community.
Also, because people are extreme, shaming might cause others to feel silenced, as shaming began as a way to keep people from living unconventional lives, never stepping out of the status quo.
- Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
