Shame

The other night I was at work and became especially frustrated. That night the restaurant had become thoroughly trashed.

People had let their children throw food and other debris on the floor with not thought of even the most rudimentary clean up before leaving. Table tops everywhere were covered in a thick layer of various sauces. Napkins were tossed or dropped and ended up caught under chairs.

I commented to a co-worker that if I left a restaurant in such a state I would be embarrassed to ever go back. Then, as we mounted the monumental task of returning the dining room to "like new condition" we discussed the fact that our society seems to have lost the ability to feel shame; and not in a good way.

We have "reality" shows that praise teenage mothers and showcase drugged out celebrities and various odd and ends that comprise the dregs of humanity. We have schools where students violently and physically attack teachers... and are proud of their behavior. We have taught our children to never let anyone make them feel ashamed, but is that really a good idea?

Where is the Shame?

I am in no way condoning verbal and physical abuse or using shame as a tool of oppression; but sometimes a little shame is a good thing.

Shame is what a person should feel when they have acted dishonorably. A small dose of shame can even be good when a person comes up short or is found inadequate. It is that shame (and wanting not to feel it again) that motivates a person to become better, to strive to overcome their limitations and rise to the top.

Greatness is not cultivated in a luke-warm atmosphere of bland equality where everyone gets a trophy. It is not found where there is no pain in losing.

Greatness comes from everyone doing their best to be the best. Greatness is found when the young man, shamed by his last place finish, devotes himself to discipline and training so he can win the race.