A Damn Shame
A Damn Shame
Kaja MelsomHow we went from moralism to narcissism in one generation
In today’s society, we are asked to follow our hearts, break norms and not care what other people think about us. How then do we find ourselves in the middle of a shame epidemic, with rising depression numbers, particularly among young people?
Has the ideal of shamelessness – opposed to its intent – ended up creating more shame instead of less? And have we ended up making narcissists the heroes of our time? In this clever and highly relevant book, philosopher Kaja Melsom takes a sharp look at our ideals of living without shame, and how manipulation and shaming ended up characterizing cultural practices such as child-rearing, our working life and digitalisation. From the 50s collectivism and ideas around ‘tall poppy syndrome’, to the 1968 movement against shame culture and move towards a lust-based ideology, Melsom both describes the historical events that have led to this moment, as well as sketches a convincing portrayal of where we are today, using practical examples from our life in parenting, working life and old age.
With a cutting wit and sharp observations, Kaja Melsom dismantles the idea that parents, teachers, and bosses of today behave more humanely than in the 1950s and calls for a cultural revolution – this time against the modern culture surrounding shame.
‘Kaja Melsom analyzes both wisely and eloquently’ Aftenposten on Den fordømte friheten
‘Melsom has written an easy-to-read book with thematic weight.’ Fri tanke on Den fordømte friheten
