Recovering alcoholic ... some of the posts on the GD forums make me sad.

[Glassunion]

6. I've never been a fan of shaming on any level. It seems like it's our new American pastime.

Shaming someone is a horrible practice. Since the advent of the internet, we have found a new way to brand a scarlet letter on those who behave in a way that we do not approve. I've seen comments here on DU where those have made statements that someone deserves shaming because they did (x). Personally, I will retreat at that point regardless of the situation.

To me personally, when I see someone acting as an advocate for shaming someone for whatever reason, I do instantly think less of that person. Especially in today's age, where a shaming can cost someone whatever shred of dignity they have left, their friends, their jobs, etc... These people who are shaming seem to take it to the next level. They practically stalk the people, find their Facebook account, figure out who their friends are, find their employer, etc... They shame them on their social media, make sure all their friends know, as well as venting their unrighteous anger on these people's employers.

I am far from perfect, and have made poor life choices. I cannot imagine if some of that were brought to light to my friends, or employer. The problem I see with shaming, especially for a singular incident, is that it is such a broad indictment of oneself that it is near impossible to find redemption. The singular incident becomes the whole definition of the person's character for which they cannot apologize, or make amends.