Shaming people is nothing new.. it happens everyday on a variance of platforms. When, if at all, is it okay?
Why do we shame people?
Do people deserve to be shamed?
An Article regarding the shaming of those who decided not to get the vaccination also states that shaming an obese person is unacceptable. This is further explained that this is an example of shaming someone because of their lifestyle and other factors like genes, environment, wealth, and choice.
"If someone cannot be blamed for something, then shaming them is not ethically justifiable."
Thoughts?
I think this topic is a lot harder to speak about when the vaccine is the focus. I think no one should be shamed about medical decisions because most people make decisions based on what's going on in their lives. However, while I do respect that people are allowed to choose not to be vaccinated. I do think those who purposefully aren't being vaccinated, still going out and aren't respecting social distancing rules can be shamed just a tiny bit.
ReplyDeletethe "ethical justifiability" in shaming unvaccinated individuals and obese individuals is a thin line to draw. unvaccinated going out and disrespecting social distancing could be compared to obese eating unhealthy or a plethora of food. if one can be shamed a tiny bit for putting themselves at risk, one can argue the other can be shamed for the same reason.
DeleteI definitely agree that people should not be shamed for something that they cannot control. Even with topics such as vaccinations, perhaps the better approach is to have civil and open conversations. Shaming people is often done broadly and without thought to each person's individual experience. It can isolate groups and risks creating more polarized views no matter the issue. If the goal is to make society better and/or change people's behavior, this should be approached through education and candid conversations. You may or may not change their mind, but I feel like shaming them will definitely not accomplish this.
ReplyDeleteShaming and canceling are not constructive. But there's nothing wrong with arguing forcefully that those who forego vaccination on the grounds of personal liberty are neglecting their communitarian responsibility to serve the public interest and the public health, as well as gratifying their own personal predilections. It's a matter of life and death for others, and of the health of the entire community, not just of inconvenience for oneself.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should ever shame someone for health issues like this, but we should be sympathetic because of their lack of information. We should educate but we can never force, because the harder we push the harder people will push back. It's like a rope, you can't push it, but if you take a hold of it and walk with it it will easily follow.
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