#Emotion

Shame is a live performance of self-loathing whipped into existence by the invisible lash of others’ gazes. The moment one strays from social norms, a mental red light flashes, flooding the cheeks with heat. In the age of social media, a hint of embarrassment instantly becomes global entertainment. The more shame one feels, the more self-esteem plummets and reckless self-defense awakens. Ultimately, shame is an uncontrollable byproduct of self-presentation, a heavier chain than it appears.

A shoulder to cry on is a masterful performer that stages its own misfortune to draw sympathy rather than solve problems. It transforms its shoulder into a theater of sorrow, sharing the spotlight with the tears of onlookers. Bystanders become unwitting support crews, supplying tissues and consolation ad infinitum. In the end, the crying shoulder departs leaving only damp traces, having offered no solution itself.