Shame is a uniquely Human Construct

Have you ever observed shame in nature.

Have you ever seen an animal shame another animal for being too big, too small, too light or too dark?

In all honesty the closest thing I can think of to shame in the Natural World is a bird throwing out one of it's offspring if it doesn't have a high chance of survival or a flock of chickens pecking the smallest weakest chicken to death.

Both of these scenarios include real survival mechanisms/strategies but those are the only two I can think of.

Even when a male is courting a female, even if she says 'no' I don't believe they shame the male for his attempts and incompatability.

So what is it about Humans and shame?

Why do kids in grade school make fun of weaker kids?

Why do parents shame kids when they don't perform well enough at _____?

Why do friends gossip about other friends?

Why do disgruntled romantic partners shit-talk their partner to their friends?

The answer almost ALWAYS lies in the truth that the people PASSING shame are CARRYING shame. Well where did THEY get their shame from? It was probably passed onto them from early in childhood. But where did THAT shame come from? And what was it's purpose?

It's a question I'm pondering at the moment and I don't quite have a solid answer.

The important takeaway though is that only we as human utlize, leverage, hold/carry, and pass shame.

Then the question becomes....what will it take to release that shame as collective species and culture?

Let's start by exploring, confronting and accepting our own.

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