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Problem with Public Shaming

In his article, "The Problem with Public Shaming," Cole Stryker explores the problem of

public shaming and its effects on society. Stryker contends that although public shaming may

appear like retribution, it ultimately fails to advance society and can have various unfavorable

effects (Stryker). While public shaming may be used as an instant retaliation against those

participating in a damaging activity, it ultimately fails to advance society. It can have detrimental

long-term impacts on embarrassed people and society.

Since social media sites and online communities facilitate the instantaneous and

widespread transmission of information, public shaming has become increasingly popular in the

information age. Nevertheless, as discussed in Cole Stryker's article "The Problem with Public

Shaming," although public shaming may temporarily satisfy those seeking justice, it fails to

address the core causes of societal crises. It can contribute to a culture of dehumanization.

According to Stryker, public shame can lead to a vicious cycle in which offenders are

isolated and punished for wrongdoing. Still, the societal problems that prompted their actions

remain unaddressed. A modern-day counterpart of the stockade, Stryker, that "shaming people

has become less about changing attitudes and more about giving people a taste of public
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disapproval." (Stryker) While public shaming may make people feel better in the short term, it

does nothing to address the systemic problems that allow destructive behavior.

In addition, according to Stryker, public shaming can help foster a dehumanizing society

in which people are merely seen in terms of their worst actions and are not given a chance to

change or improve. 'Shaming is a brutal instrument that often falls short of helping individuals

become more self-aware and empathic (Stryker). Instead, it stirs up more tension and anger.

When people are publicly shamed and denounced, they are less likely to have meaningful

conversations or reflect on their actions, and they may become more set in their destructive

ways.

Stryker backs up his claims with multiple instances of public shaming that backfired.

Stryker argues that the widespread condemnation received did little to combat racism and

contributed to strengthening a penal society. No social progress was made, and no more

profound knowledge of complex topics thanks to the public shaming spectacle.

Despite the validity of Stryker's argument against public shaming, there are times when

such tactics might be helpful. Public shaming has been effective in some circumstances in

bringing people and organizations responsible for their wrongdoing. The public shaming

strategies employed, for instance, are essential in bringing attention to the issue of sexual

harassment and assault and ultimately resulted in the resignation and conviction of several

prominent figures.

While there are circumstances in which public shaming may be appropriate, it is still best

to exercise extreme caution and self-reflection before engaging in such behavior. People should

work to address the cultural issues that permit destructive behavior and cultivate a culture of
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empathy and understanding rather than merely penalize or condemn those who engage in it.

People should address the core causes by fixing societal problems rather than simply reacting to

symptoms.

Cole Stryker's article provides a convincing argument against the efficacy of public

shaming in promoting positive social change. Public shaming can make people feel better about

themselves in the short term, but it does little to address the underlying causes of bad conduct in

the long term. It can even contribute to a dehumanizing culture (Stricker 149). Empathy,

understanding, and conversation should be prioritized over punishment and condemnation if

people genuinely want to make a difference.

The desire to publicly humiliate people whose actions people deem offensive is vital in

today's instantaneous information society. This strategy rarely produces the kind of lasting

change people need. Instead, society needs to learn how to address the root causes of harmful

conduct and cultivate a spirit of compassion and tolerance.

In this age of instantaneous global communication enabled by social media and online

communities, public shaming has taken on new significance. Even though these technologies can

bring about positive change, they also come with obstacles and perils (Pipyrou 416). As people

move through this new environment, they should always maintain sight of individual choices'

impact on others and society.

Stryker's points deserve serious consideration, and readers should consider how they may

help create a more positive and caring society. Taking a stand against destructive behavior is one

part of this, but so is being open to dialogue and seeing the humanity in others whose opinions

differ from an individual's. The topic is crucial because it can influence the kind of society that
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individuals aspire to build. People have a choice to make: they can either continue to promote a

culture of guilt and punishment, or they can work to cultivate a culture of empathy and

understanding. Decisions are ultimately up to individuals, and how they handle the pressures of

public shaming will have far-reaching effects on people’s future as a society.

Works Cited

Pipyrou, Stavroula. "# MeToo is little more than mob rule//vs//# MeToo is a legitimate form of

social justice." HAU: Journal of Ethnographic Theory 8.3 (2018): 415-419.

Stricker, George. "Assimilation in Integrative Couple and Family Therapy." Encyclopedia of

Couple and Family Therapy (2019): 148-150.

Stryker Cole, et al. “The Problem with Public Shaming.” Nation (New York, N.Y.: 1865), Apr.

2013, https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/problem-public-shaming/.