When shame is used to deter people from destructive activities, it can be considered constructive and even desirable. For instance, a few decades ago, smoking in public was considered not only acceptable but even fashionable. Movies depicted action heroes flaunting cigarettes — they were glamorized to be fearless. As the dangers of passive smoking became more widely known and the fact that non-smokers were being exposed to those dangers, mainstream opinion shifted, leading to increasing disapproval of public smoking. Nowadays, smoking in public places has stopped almost entirely  — and that’s not just because of the heavy fines imposed but also because of the strong culture of shaming. 

Is shaming always beneficial? Certainly not; it can be discouraging and discriminatory when people are shamed for factors beyond their control, such as nationality, religion, ethnicity, skin color, or gender. If individuals possess talent and commitment in a particular area and can make significant contributions through it, inhibiting them with shame is a loss for both them and society. Why should a significant talent pool of fellow humans be deprived of opportunities based on outdated or invalid social or cultural norms?

Still, that shaming can be misused doesn’t mean shamelessness is useful. Individuals who engage in shameless activities and parade such activities as evidence of their boldness can negatively influence others, potentially leading them to self-destructive or even destructive activities. While individuals have the right to choose their actions, including actions that may be harmful to themselves, their rights don’t extend to actions which harm others. To believe or argue that they have such a right is headless and heartless — it betrays a lack of both clarity and kindness. 

The Bhagavad-gita (03.21) encourages us to carefully ponder our actions and recognize that each one of us, in our own capacity, has the potential to influence others. We are all leaders in some way, and we have a responsibility to set constructive examples rather than destructive ones, thereby helping bring about a positive change within and without. 

Summary:

To equate the fearless with the shameless is brainless. 

Think it over: 

  • When can shaming be beneficial?
  • When can it be harmful? 
  • How can we differentiate between shamelessness and fearlessness?

***

03.21: Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.

Audio explanation of the article is here: https://gitadaily.substack.com/p/fearless-shameless

To know more about this verse, please click on the image