Thursday, 2 May 2024

Your actions will spell shame or honour.

HONOUR AND SHAME

A person's action is the major determinants of how they are being treated and perceived, honourable or shameful. Honour and shame are two fundamental concepts that have been prominent in many cultures throughout history. In sane societies, honour is held in high regard, while shame serves as a social control mechanism to enforce morality and uphold social norms. Understanding these concepts can provide insight into the central values of a society that still respect and value honesty, integrity, and uprightness and how individuals are socialized to behave.

Honour is the quality or character of a person that motivates them to act in a way that is deemed admirable or respected by others. In many societies, honour is closely linked to one's reputation, and one's behavior and actions are believed to reflect on the collective reputation of their family or community. Thus, individuals will often act in ways that reflect well on their family or community, even if their actions may not align with their personal desires or motivations.

In contrast, shame arises when an individual fails to adhere to the social norms and expectations of their community. Shame serves as a powerful tool for social control, and individuals who shame others can often exert significant influence over their behaviour. Shame can be internalized and lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, which can, in turn, motivate an individual to avoid actions that would bring further shame.

The concept of honour and shame has been used to explain many social phenomena, including criminal behavior, interpersonal relationships, and even international relations. For example, in many cultures, an insult to one's honour can lead to significant violence, as individuals may feel that their reputation and the reputation of their family or community is at stake. Similarly, shame can be used as a powerful tool to enforce social norms and ensure that individuals conform to expected communal behaviors.


Kamikun John, Author 366 days of wisdom.

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