Shame is often discussed as an uncomfortable feeling that people experience when they believe they have done something wrong or failed to meet their own standards of behavior.
Sociologist Erving Goffman argued that shame can also be imposed on individuals through social norms and expectations. According to him, shame operates as "an interpersonal process" whereby individuals are shamed for violating cultural norms and values. This conceptualization of shame has important implications for understanding how it can function as both a mechanism of oppression and a source of ethical self-awareness in queer lives.
Shame as Oppression:
The imposition of shame on members of marginalized groups such as queer individuals can take various forms.
Homophobia and transphobia are frequently expressed in the form of shaming language such as calling someone a "faggot," "tranny," or "pervert." These comments imply that there is something wrong or deviant about being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, which reinforces heteronormative ideals and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. In addition, discrimination against queer individuals may lead them to internalize these negative messages and feel ashamed of who they are. This sense of shame can be further exacerbated by the lack of representation in mainstream media and limited opportunities for queer people to see themselves reflected positively in society.
Queer individuals may also experience shame from within their own communities due to pressure to conform to certain sexual or gender norms.
Some LGBTQ+ individuals may feel shame for not fitting into traditional gender roles or expressing non-normative desires. Such pressure can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation, particularly among those who do not identify with the more visible parts of the community (e.g., trans men of color).
Shame as Ethical Awareness:
Despite its potential to cause harm, shame can also play an important role in promoting ethical behavior.
Research has shown that shame can motivate people to improve their behavior when it comes to issues like procrastination, substance abuse, and even racism. In this way, shame can act as a moral compass that helps us recognize when we have done something wrong and take action to rectify it.
Queer individuals may use shame to reflect on their behavior and make choices that align with their values.
They may feel shame after engaging in a casual hookup without considering the partner's consent or boundaries, leading them to reevaluate their approach to intimacy. Shame can thus function as a form of self-regulation that encourages ethical behavior in all aspects of life.
In sum, while shame can be used to oppress and marginalize queer individuals, it can also serve as a tool for personal growth and reflection. By understanding how shame operates in our lives, we can work towards creating a world where everyone feels safe, accepted, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
How does the moral psychology of shame operate as both a mechanism of oppression and a source of ethical self-awareness in queer lives?
Shame is an emotion that can be experienced by anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It has been described as a feeling of humiliation, embarrassment, and guilt, often resulting from perceived failure or imperfection. In some cases, shame may also lead to self-loathing and self-hatred. Queer people may experience shame for various reasons, including discrimination, stigma, and prejudice based on their sexuality or gender expression.