So You've Been Publicly Shamed

"I suppose it's no surprise that we feel the need to dehumanize the people we hurt-before, during, or after the hurting occurs. But it always comes as a surprise. In psychology it's known as cognitive dissonance. It's the idea that it feels stressful  and painful for us to hold to contradictory ideas at the same time (like the idea that we're kind people and the idea that we've just destroyed someone). And so to ease the pain we create illusory ways to justify our contradictory behavior."

John Ronson

So You've Been Publicly Shamed

People's behavior on the internet is often atrocious. It is this fantastic tool for spreading information, but often the things that are said are inappropriate and unkind. Part of the reason for this is that people have the ability to be anonymous. It's easy to be a bully when no one will call you out.

 Jon Ronson explores why public shaming, specifically shaming that take place online, has made a comeback in today's society. Most forms of shaming we taken out of governmental laws for punishment in the late 1800's, not because they didn't work, but because they were so brutal. They have recently made a comeback on social media sites, and while conversation and transparency should be encouraged, the form of public shaming that occurs is just brutal, a form of bullying when it comes down to it, and the victims are often people with minor infractions. 

Those who do the shaming are often not held accountable for the damage done and seldom any thought is given to how it affects the victim.

"I suppose that when shaming are delivered like remotely administered drone strikes nobody needs to think about how ferocious our collective power might be.. The snowflake never needs to feel responsible for the avalanche."

 He explores the subtle sexism and racism that shows itself in what threats are used against different people (Do men people say "I hope you get fired), to women people say "I hope you get raped").

I liked this book. I think it is important, a sort of "How to be a Human Being on the Internet." It reminds us that, while we should be accountable for our mistakes, the punishment must fit the crime and social media public shaming is a punishment that is heave for the crimes that it is often used for. Ronson encourages us to be kind (that doesn't mean not standing up for whats right, bur it is in no way ok for anyone to wish job loss or rape on anyone, EVER!), and to pay attention to nuance, because it is important.

Everyone who is online should read this book. Everyone. Its funny and serious, a quick read that will have you turning pages.