Shameless times indeed
If one word describes the character of our times well, it is shameless. Can an era be shameless then? Sure it can, just like there were happy times, think roaring twenties, destructive epochs, and not-so-great depressions. Dominant behavior of prevailing groups and individuals leaves its mark on a period. It sets the tone. In our era, that conduct is increasingly shameless.
Surging extremes are just one of its manifestations. An ever smaller group gets richer – 0,1% pockets some 10% of global income, even fewer individuals gain more power – partly due to their excessive wealth, and a frightening number of people resist reality, the truth, other opinions, and each other. An aggressive and insulting small minority on “social” media cries out loud and stifles constructive discussions. No more than an unwelcome opinion or a random remark sparks threats or even violence. FOOF – Fear Of Opening Facebook – reaches epidemic levels.
Meanwhile, the climate is going haywire, nature is dying and society is in disarray. In this turmoil, more and more individuals, groupings, and organizations show their true faces. The masks and the gloves come off. Greed (remember Gordon Gecko?), lust for power, and aggression are expressed more openly and shamelessly than ever. And where shamelessness takes over, respect is its first victim.
Now the concept of shamelessness depends heavily on social context. Behavior that people were deeply ashamed of a century ago has become common and acceptable, in good ways too. More freedom removed restraints on people’s expression and social practices. But that freedom also came with new contradictions. We don’t beat around the bush any longer. Our perception of freedom and truth is weaponized in a battle where tolerance and respect have become victims of shamelessly putting one’s rights, rightness, and benefits first, throughout society.
Welcome to shameless times.
This development runs deeper than a first glance reveals and may have begun earlier than we realize. Almost imperceptibly, one step at a time, making us take for granted what we really shouldn’t.
In Shameless Times, I will unmask the many faces of shamelessness and its threats to our society: in politics, the economy, and in the media. We will see the true faces and motives of individuals, organizations, and powers. Maybe this will help us to restore due respect for man, the planet, and society. We can debate the limits of free speech and the risks of crossing them. But only with mutual respect, for a more tolerant and livable future.
How do you experience shameless behavior in our times? Which appearances worry you most? Please share your thoughts with me on Substack, so I can include them in upcoming posts.
