The Demise of Shame

Is shame a thing of the past? Unfortunately, it seems in many instances, it is. The lack of shame has even crawled forth into the political arena and is invading campaigns. It's around the street corner, with people gossiping in the local businesses. It's in fashion and in the press. The lack of shame does seem to be a staple of these modern times.

When did society become so judgmental? Was it the rise in tabloid reporting? It does seem to be a factor. In the press and on the tv, "So and so seen in bathing suit, looks horrible!" with images of an actress or model who had the grave misfortune of putting on five pounds plastered all over. How ironic that it is oftentimes overweight reporters making these observations. When did such criticism become entertainment to the masses? Isn't the average American heavier than what the average was just a couple decades ago? So why now is it acceptable to criticize others in the same predicament?

Not only is it society, but individuals within. I remember an incident a few years back that illustrates this. I was 5'5" and 169 lbs. I was walking through an aisle in a supermarket when I heard a voice come from behind me, "Get your fat a** out of my way!" I turned to look and was shocked to be confronted with the image of this 500 lb woman huffing behind me. I didn't know whether to get angry or laugh. I just turned around and started to walk out of the aisle when two giggling teenage boys stopped me and asked me why I didn't lash back at this woman. The taller boy laughed and chided, "That woman could eat you almost five times over!" I simply smiled and left it at that. This is by no means an isolated incident. The average person has probably had more than their fair share of similar occurrences.