I am ashamed of the way I totally f-ed up this term in school. I’m ashamed that my parents so generously paid 1/2 the tuition and it went to waste (and yes, I will pay 100% when I re-take the course). I’m ashamed that I procrastinate so damn much.
Shame is just your conscience on high alert. Without it, we lose our moral compass. There are rules we must adhere to in a civilized society and our conscience/shame tells us when that is.
I don’t feel shame. I am what I am and what I choose to do is what I choose to do. If I went against my conscience then I might feel shame. Wait. No I wouldn’t. I might feel regret or remorse, but never shame.
@Simone_De_Beauvoir and @Mr_Callahan Agreed. I also see shame as a motivator. Shame is one of the worst feelings, imho. I can deal with embarrassment, anger, etc, but shame kicks my ass into gear.
I’m ashamed that you have to be ashamed that George Bush was not ashamed to be our Commander in Chief….something like that, but I’m definately ashamed of it.