I just finished a book that highlighted a common form of the behaviors listed in the last post- specifically, dehumanization, a lack of accountability, fanaticism, and a lack of accountability. It occurs when we use social media to create public shaming. As I read the various stories of both positive impacts and devastations, there were so many examples of justified viciousness while those imposing their “justice” held fast to the belief that they were doing good while ruining people’s lives.
If you choose to read Jon Ronson’s book, “So You’ve Been Publically Shamed”, consider this an exercise in exploring your own sense of morality. I found that the lines are much more complicated and blurred than I realized.
- When should this form of pressure be used?
- Noting the limits it had in times long past and the reasons it was banned, does that change your views?
- What is appropriate shaming and when does it cross the line?
- How has the internet changed the experience and impact of social shaming? With a medium with very little limits, what norms might we need to maintain civility?
I think you will find, as I did, this is far from easy and it calls into question some of the very ideas you hold about yourself and your notion of what is “good.”