Ajax Reviled

Shaming punishments have increased in popularity, and social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have become mediums for public shaming of bad behavior. Can these practices be justified? This chapter distinguishes between three practices all labeled “shaming:” invitations to shame, shaming, and stigmatizing. It then argues that invitations to shame can be justified in certain circumstances, but shaming and stigmatizing cannot be justified. The primary argument in favor of shaming and stigmatizing is that both practices are powerful tools to change behavior. Shaming is the practice of holding up the flaws of others for public scorn, and this practice is unjustified even when it is done for noble reasons.