Shaming people in public.

Yesterday, an editor wrote that shaming people in the public should be stopped, using a recent article (Sunday, I think) which had people sending in photographs of those who are inconsiderate when on public transport as a reference.

But the problem is, why has it been almost "common" in our society to shame others?

Actually, from young, we have learned that shaming, as long as it does not involve one self, is almost perfectly acceptable.

Remember the times back in Primary/Secondary school? Public canings are something which, unfortunately, we as students look forward to. I recall saying "There's a show to watch this morning. Hehe." whenever I see that chair.

In class, students who do not do their homework, or talk in class, are asked to stand, or leave the classroom.

In fact, I recall the Secondary School installing cameras to "observe" how we eat, so as to shame our behavior even further.

Of course, there's no doubt, from my parent's account, this public shaming isn't exactly new in our generation.

With technology, pictures can be shared much much easily. No longer will you have to tell a story about some guy who did something which you frown on, but you actually have pictures of them doing it on your cellphone. Moreover, with Stomp (The Straits Times Interactive Portal), people feel obliged to send their prize, so that others can "discuss" them.

Oh sure, there are discussions, and then, there are discussions.

What I mean is further ridicule on these people. It isn't exactly fine to heap scorn on those doing things which have been unofficially defined as "immoral".

But the worst ones are those who ridicule those they just find different.

Just google "Arguing on the internet is like running in the special Olympics.", and you will know what I mean. Technology has allowed people to go all out to shame people.

Just as long as it isn't them, it is perfectly fine to shame.

Still, I find it interesting that the editor wants us to stop shaming others.

Interesting, because I think it is near impossible.

As I've mentioned, it is part of our upbringing, hence, to stop people from shaming, you have to start from young.

No more public caning in school. No more punishment in school.

...?

I doubt it will happen. After all, shaming does work as a deterrent, although some people wear their "Cane marks" like badges of honour.

Hence, it is just unfortunate that shaming, which actually does some good, has been degraded these days to "showing the world about the things I dislike". Yet, as bad as it is, it can't be stopped. The simple reason being they are doing things which are considered unacceptable by society. Sure, they are part of society too, but even they should know what is considered "unacceptable" by society.

So, if you want shaming to stop, stop these acts first, and the shaming will eventually come to an end.