#509: Good Shame; Bad Shame
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Nature of Shame
Shame is a complex emotion that encompasses a range of feelings, from embarrassment to humiliation. , a clinical psychologist, explains that shame is a family of emotions rooted in our physiological responses and biology. It can manifest as self-consciousness, guilt, or mortification, all of which share a painful awareness of self 1. Burgo distinguishes between toxic shame and core shame, noting that toxic shame is destructive as it condemns one's character as unlovable, while core shame can sometimes reflect truths about one's past experiences 2.
Shame could be self-consciousness, embarrassment, guilt, mortification, humiliation. It could be extreme or mild. It could be fleeting, or it could last for a long time.
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Understanding these distinctions is crucial for addressing shame in a healthy and constructive manner.
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Evolutionary Value
From an evolutionary perspective, shame serves a critical role in promoting social cohesion and survival. discusses how shame encourages conformity to tribal values, which historically increased an individual's chances of survival within a group 1. This emotional response discourages behaviors that could lead to social exclusion, thereby fostering cooperation and unity.
Evolution gave us the ability to feel shame so that we would want to avoid that pain.
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Burgo also highlights the broader cultural implications of shame, including its impact on politics and societal norms, which he explores further in his writings and blog 3.