Shame sucks as a communication strategy.
"When it comes to the mess of plastic in the oceans, human beings are often portrayed as parasitic consumers who thoughtlessly harm the Earth out of selfishness or ignorance. And people are quick to point fingers. But blaming individuals is not the way to tackle the plastics problem. Consumption is a result, not the root cause. People often consume to overcome unhappiness (and greenwashing capitalizes on this impulse).
"Most importantly, though, blame often triggers shame, which makes people withdraw, writes Brené Brown, who researches shame and courage at the University of Houston. At a time when collective action on tackling plastics is critical, shame can disempower the very people who care most about the environment and their impact upon it. In her book Daring Greatly, Brown writes, 'Shame can only rise so far in any system before people disengage to protect themselves. When we’re disengaged, we don’t show up, we don’t contribute, and we stop caring.'”
RLNN file photo
"Then there is the reality that cheap plastic is the only affordable option for things like clean drinking water, diapers, or other basic necessities. The choice about whether to use plastic or a healthier, eco-friendly alternative is often a privilege. Shaming people for what they can’t afford is unhelpful, especially when plastic production, use, and disposal disproportionately harm poor people in the first place."
It's complicated. That's why we need to be sensitive and respectful as we unpack the challenge.
Article: Toward Eco-Social Justice