Public Shaming

Embarrassing others to correct their behavior is nothing new; stockades and tarring and feathering were favored methods in colonial America, after all. But today, individuals and the media can point out egregious behavior via social media and reach a wide audience. There are countless examples of people who have lost their jobs and received physical threats because of shaming that went viral. Did the punishment fit the crime? Through a multitude of viewpoints and examples, readers will examine the value of public shaming: Is it an effective disciplinary tool or simply a way for people to feel morally superior?