Has the sting of shame ever struck so deep that it changed your self-image? Picture yourself in a room with people, carrying the weight of what they expect from you and their critical opinions as if they are pressing down on you like an invisible hand compelling you to conform to an idea of conformity. This is how powerful the discourse of shame is; it shapes who we are and how we see ourselves. It is more than just a feeling – it is social weapon which tells us what correct behavior, thoughts, and emotions are in order to belong in our peer group or society at large. Starting from childhood, we are taught to adjust our actions, attitudes, and beliefs to correspond with the social norms by which we present ourselves before the world, and recognize ourselves within.
Through my research in chapter four (section 3) of my book, “The Dynamic Pattern in the Infinite Circle – An Introduction to Ethnocide” on the discourse of shame, I’ve uncovered its powerful impact on individual identities, particularly among marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community. Internalization of homophobia can be caused by this discourse thereby creating self-loathing tendencies among LGBTQ+ people who have internalized negative societal messages about their orientation leading them to harmful acts. Shame can also result in people changing their ways, which may ultimately lead to isolation and detachment from the rest of the world.
Shame has far-reaching consequences on a person’s sense of self, influencing how they behave, think, and feel. Also, studies on conformity have found that those with higher levels of shame are more likely to conform to societal expectations even if it contradicts their own values or beliefs. Shame therefore motivates individuals towards aligning themselves with social norms and expectations so as not to be shamed further or rejected.
The discourse on shame plays a crucial role in identity formation and can impact individuals positively or negatively but also communities. Therefore we should examine where it is in our lives and start fostering an inclusive environment that allows everyone to express their true selves without any fear of condemnation by others.
Discourse of Shame in the Context of Queer Identities, The Dynamic Pattern in the Infinite Circle” is a text that discusses the discourse of shame concerning queer identities. Stigma and social discrimination make many homosexuals feel ashamed, resulting into self-hatred and internalized homophobia. Consequently, this internalized shame can affect their mental health negatively as well as their overall well-being. However, people can overcome these feelings by looking for help, practicing self-compassion, and challenging negative beliefs about themselves. This would lead them to reclaim a sense of who they truly are; feeling safer and more secure because they will be able to identify themselves with more authenticity.
Discussions on shame play huge roles in shaping identities as well as enduring implications on an individual’s self-perception and well-being. Research has shown that lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals (LGBT+) may feel guiltier than heterosexual or cisgender peers during the coming out process and identity affirmation stages (Pachankis, 2007). This guilt is further worsened by societal expectations that define one’s gayness.
Internalizing the Discourse of Shame Healing From the Effects
Chapter four of the book, “The Dynamic Pattern in the Infinite Circle – An Introduction to Ethnocide,” discusses internalized shame, which can make people have little self-worth, engage in harmful activities, and find it hard to have and maintain healthy associations. To overcome these problems, LGBTQ+ individuals can practice self-acceptance and compassion for themselves, join supportive social networks as well as access information on how to create a more equal society through education and awareness.
In many societies, shame is a dominant language shaping human beings self-perception towards themselves and their cognitive awareness of their environment. Some scientific researches show that it may result in negative psychological effects like low self-esteem, depression and anxiety among others as well as feelings of detachment or seclusion from other members of the society. This encompasses those who do not fit within societal norms, such as LGBTQ+.
It is possible for people to incorporate negativity about themselves, bodies or even social standings especially for those already oppressed due to factors such as race or gender identity. Nonetheless, possessing the capacity to contest this discourse results in a definite statement or demonstration concerning one’s personality. Engaging with queer theories of identity can offer a framework for exploring and embracing non-traditional identities, and among the most influential ideas is that gender does not define but is rather performed by individuals. This perspective has revolutionized sociology, anthropology, psychology, and LGBT activism understanding of gender and sexuality (Butler, 1993).
To heal from the effects of the discourse of shame and reclaim a sense of self-worth and agency, individuals can seek support from loved ones, participate in therapy or mental health care, and engage in self-care practices such as mindfulness or self-compassion.
Analysis of the story of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” According To the Discussed Theory
An emperor’s obsession with acquiring new clothes is what the tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes, is all about. Two men who claim to have clothes that only intelligent people can see trick this emperor into wearing invisible attire. He walks around his empire displaying himself, but suddenly a small boy perceives that he is naked and shouts this loudly. While the child feels shamed by the shame discourse surrounding him, the emperor feels humiliated.
“Discourse of shame” also referred to as social or cultural norms and expectations, which lead to an experience of shame among people, “discourse of shame” is represented in the story “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” In “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” the discourse of shame implies societal practices that govern how one should dress and look like. Consequently, due to their wish to conform to these standards and avoid humiliation, when this little boy shouted aloud at the emperor for having no clothes on, both he and the ruler felt ashamed. Thus, individuals’ actions are influenced by this discourse of shame, shaping how they behave in a situation and emphasizing identity creation as a way of avoiding shame.
The Discourse of Shame in the Dynamic Pattern in the Infinite Circle
The discourse of shame can lead to mental health problems, happiness, or a growth process. By examining one’s own actions and behavior, people are able to identify areas where they need to make adjustments so that they better reflect their identities, thus becoming consolidated personalities themselves.
Encouraging one’s ability for self-improvement can help them realize their sense of guilt as well as the social expectations and norms associated with it (Puar, 2011). In addition, this process promotes a more authentic identity with greater coherence as well as increased strength of conviction concerning opinions held by someone. This aspect is particularly significant within shame’s dialogue, whereby individuals often find limitations in how they can voice their thoughts regarding themselves.
By prompting individuals to challenge their old conceptions, they may be able to formulate a new identity that involves a renewed interest in different aspects of life and a shift in their thoughts and judgments. This process of self-criticism is not an easy one and can produce feelings of guilt, but eventually, it can lead to having a more consolidated and authentic sense of who we are. In summary, the shame talk is a multifaceted interconnected concept that can have good as well negative effects on people’s lives.
For a more in-depth exploration of these ideas and to appreciate their relationship with your own experiences and identity. I recommend you read my book, “The Dynamic Pattern in the Infinite Circle: An Introduction to Ethnocide.” In this book, individuals’ experience of the discourse of shame is analyzed, sparing no detail that is meant to help you wade through the complexities of shame. I invite you to commence this enlightening voyage and enable yourself to transform your existence towards greater genuineness and knowledge about oneself.
References
Butler, J. (1993). Critically queer. GLQ 1(1), pp. 17-32
Pachankis, J. E. (2007). The psychological implications of concealing a stigma: A cognitive-affective behavioral model. Psychological Bulletin, 133(2), 328-345. Puar Jasbir. (2011). Coda: The cost of getting better – Suicide, sensation, switchpoints. GLQ 18(1), DOI: 10.1215/10642684-1422179