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?