The Era of the Shameless

Ten years after "post-truth" was named word of the year, a new political and social concept is emerging: "post-shame." Shame, a fundamental human emotion, has historically served as a social regulator, guiding behavior to avoid offending others. Collective life relies on this innate concern for external approval.

However, individuals who openly express controversial, offensive, racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, or authoritarian views are increasingly visible. Recent weeks have seen shocking statements globally. Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla made racist attacks against French footballer Kylian Mbappé, calling him a "colonized Cameroonian" and comparing him to chimpanzees. In Brazil, journalist Paulo Figueiredo suggested women vote poorly, and influencer Pietra Bertolazzi stated women should not have the right to vote. In the United States, Donald Trump frequently makes offensive remarks, and white supremacists and neo-Nazis have openly marched. These actions demonstrate a loss of shame in expressing ideas once considered unspeakable.

Portuguese political scientist Vicente Valentim explained that racist, misogynistic, or homophobic ideas were not eradicated but suppressed, only to be voiced by populist political leaders. The internet has also contributed to reducing shame as a self-control mechanism, particularly through echo chambers and anonymity. The author questions whether a world dominated by the shameless is desirable and if this behavior will become the norm, potentially targeting everyone.