Shame: The Politics and Power of an Emotion

Shame is used in social media, consumerism, politics, and mass violence. It is used by those who offer an escape from shame to understand phenomena such as consumerism, violent crime, populist politics, and war and genocide. It is also political, with leaders on both sides of the Atlantic possessing a dangerous shamelessness. Keen points to a perverse and inequitable distribution of shame, with the victims of poverty and violence frequently being shamed, while those who benefit tend to exhibit shamelessness and even pride.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The uses of shame (and shamelessness) in spheres that range from social media and consumerism to polarized politics and mass violence

Today, we find ourselves caught in a vortex of mutual shaming that permeates every aspect of our lives, from politics to social media. We are subjected to shaming for our appearance, culture, ethnicity, sexuality, poverty, wrongdoings, and even our political beliefs. But what is the purpose of all this shaming and countershaming? Does it actually work? And if so, for whom?

In his book "Shame," David Keen delves into the intricate workings of modern shaming, shedding light on how it is deliberately exploited and weaponized. Keen observes that there is always someone who offers an escape from shame, often the very individuals who have been perpetuating it in the first place. He argues that self-interested manipulations of shame are at the core of understanding phenomena as diverse as consumerism, violent crime, populist politics, and even war and genocide.

Shame is not just a personal emotion; it is also deeply political. To break free from our current cycle of shame and shaming, and to comprehend the harm that shame can cause, we must recognize the ways in which it is being used to serve political and economic interests.

Keen also traces the rise of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic who exhibit a dangerous shamelessness. He questions how shame and shamelessness can both be damaging. Answering this question requires us to understand the different types of shame and how they interact. It also requires us to examine how shamelessness is being instrumentalized by those who promote it.

Keen points out a perverse and unequal distribution of shame, with the victims of poverty and violence often being subjected to shaming while those who benefit tend to display shamelessness and even pride. This highlights the need for empathy and understanding, as we strive to create a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, the uses of shame (and shamelessness) in our society are complex and multifaceted. While shaming can be a powerful tool for social change, it can also be used to perpetuate inequality and harm. By recognizing the ways in which shame is being manipulated and exploited, we can work towards creating a more compassionate and just world.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691183756