The arguments of Mencius and Martha Nussbaum represent the view of shame. Mencius said, “It is natural for humans to feel ashamed when they do not follow the rules they must follow as humans.” From the perspective of Mencius, not taking shame on their defects was like a declaration to tolerate faults, which meant giving up humanity. On the other hand, Nussbaum regarded shame as an emotion that is too conscious of others and passively engaged in external value judgment. The shame that Nussbaum thinks is the feeling caused because humans cannot accept themselves as they are. According to Nussbaum, shame shrinks the individual and further hinders the development of the community.
The ambivalence of shame puts people at a crossroads of many choices. People think about whether to feel ashamed of their actions or move forward with shame behind them. As times change, the main view of shame is also changing. In the past, shame was taken for granted. More and more people consider shame negatively due to meritocracy these days. In a society dominated by meritocracy, there is a perception that shame is an obstacle to victory. People who have this perception are in a hurry to eat and live right now, so other people’s loss is not a big deal to them. The gist of this thought is that being conscious of others hinders one’s own development. With victory in competition as a top priority, there is a growing belief that damage to others is inevitable for achievement.
Even if the current reality we face is inevitable, I do not think it is desirable to leave shame behind for victory in competition. There are also other options rather than rationalizing that defeating conscience to win is inevitable. Instead of aiming for individual survival, we should try to coexist. If this is difficult, we may at least think of a fair way to win. Ignoring guilt can have temporary benefits for individuals. However, this behavior affects minorities in a disadvantageous position in the competition for survival. In other words, this kind of rationalization is an excuse to justify hatred and discrimination.
Throughout history, individuals have not been pushed helplessly by the principles of a competitive society: Some already felt shame and responsibility for the deformed social structure. They have constantly raised questions about injustice. As if responding to this, the world has been changing. Attempts to visualize shame have raised several social problems to the surface. Shame has helped correct moral errors in the past and create a better society. People were developing society through constant exploration and reflection of shame. A society without morality will eventually regress by causing hatred and alienation. Leaving one’s faults unattended without improving them is cumbersome work.
The idea that the current reality is inevitable maybe because we are forced into a corner. There would have been no way other than competition under the pressure of falling behind if it deviated from the line. It is impossible to break away from the competitive society immediately. Nonetheless, it is possible to show sportsmanshsip in competition. No matter how trivial it may be, individual efforts are needed to reveal the tolerated fouls and not repeat the same mistakes. I hope our society will move forward while facing and reflecting on the shame due to our selfishness.