Bring back shame?

The moral compass evolves with time. Freedom should mean that we are able to always live authentically without restrictions on where we can go or how we express ourselves. But in our human nature there are situations that may result in shame. Some of those situations are deserving of shame because they are detrimental to the health of the nation.

It is true that there are situations that were viewed as shameful in the past that are no longer viewed with the same scorn. The desire to cover shame or hide one’s indiscretions is no longer as crucial as it used to be on some matters. Is the internet largely responsible for this? And most importantly, is social media? Or is it that we are in an age where people are becoming more enlightened, more liberated, realizing that many of the restrictions that we placed on ourselves hindered our evolution?

Let’s look at social media as a microcosm of the world. When one examines what gets the most attention one may deduce that it is the entertainment, the shocking and the disturbing. Guyana does not escape this. One may deduce that the average Guyanese is easily distracted or uses social media as a part of escapism to cope with the harshness of life in Guyana. But in needing to obscure reality, have we sunk to a place where we celebrate the degeneracy and therefore a society where anything and everything is acceptable? Do we reduce ourselves to puppets lacking critical thinking without the will to stand and fight for what is important for our survival and in so doing participate in our oppression? There are situations that in the past would have resulted in shame that are now being celebrated and, in some instances, these situations reinforce stereotypes that negatively affect groups of people.

It seems easy for the frivolousness to grasp the average man’s attention. One may even presume that it is part of the process in the continued degradation and suppression of the masses. We see that in this country the average man cannot unite to stand strong as a collective to end the oppression. The revolution ends in comments on social media, videos or in the quiet conversations people are afraid to be heard. Shame in freely expressing oneself for fear of persecution is a prison we should not know. The televised version of the revolution reveals that it is only a few who are consistent. Those with their feet on the necks of the majority know that today we may be crying about the fires, the accidents, the sexual and domestic violence, the cost of living and the corruption but as soon as there is another viral topic to distract us, the outrage dissipates in the humour, gossip, and short-term memory loss about what is important.

When one looks at some of what is promoted and celebrated, it is evident that many are stuck in a cycle of triviality and toxicity. The way is constantly being paved for the young to continue living in a poor, degrading, and self-destructive cycle. The shame that still does exist is often for those considered weak and even some of the victims of this dreadful society like our hurt children. While there is still a great amount of shame that certain miscreants in society will always receive, there are also those who may be seen as heroes.

Shame is not assigned to or appears to be felt by some of the worse people in our society and their supporters. There are those who may have been accused of crimes who are prominent members of society and often making decisions that affect the lives of the people. Without shame they live. Without shame they are made heroes by those who also have no shame.

This week the government presented a national budget that surpassed a trillion dollars for the first time in Guyana and though there are some mumblings about nothing substantial being there for the average man, in some sections of social media it is not what garnered the most attention. Instead, people were captivated by stories of people being exposed for having affairs or giving ‘blow’ and pornographic tapes being leaked to the public.

We know that with intimate partner relationships ‘blow’ is common in Guyana. And while it is not something new, in the past people might have been a bit more discreet. We see that in some instances where people might have been shamed, they are now celebrated.

Often now too, we see instances of pornographic tapes being leaked on social media. Those who choose to make such tapes have the right and freedom to do so but knowing the risk that it can be exposed to the public; it might not be the best choice. However, we also cannot forget that there might be instances when people are under the influence of drugs and alcohol when these videos are made. There are even organized groups in which this content is shared and not always with the consent of the participants. What is disturbing also is that people demand that these videos that were often made to remain private be sent to them. The shame of demanding to see what is often never meant to be seen by the public and what is often a case of revenge porn, does not exist for some.

If we were to put the same time, effort, and energy into demanding accountability from our leaders, shaming those who fail us and lead the majority into a hellish existence perhaps heaven will exist here for all.

We the people are not expected to be always completely engrossed with the unpleasant with no sight or sign of joy for that would be detrimental to our mental and physical health. But we should show some more care for our nation. At least give the matters that affect our future and the future of our children more of our attention. If only we could let our voices be heard without fear. All the people cannot be shamed or muzzled.

A national budget of over a trillion dollars this week and pornographic videos and the consequences or gains from ‘blow’ gained more attention in some sections of social media. Perhaps, a shame.