Shame on You!

My mother grew up in a time when shame meant you might have to submit yourself to seppuku. Seppuku is the correct term for hara kiri (some Westerners have called it Harry Carry). Hara means stomach. Kiri means to cut. Doing seppuku was supposed to restore honor to your family after having committed some horrendously shameful act.

Shame was a big deal to the Japanese culture. I grew up with the knowledge that I shouldn't shame the family. I wouldn't leave my room in a mess because that was shameful. I wouldn't mistreat anyone because that was really shameful. I wouldn't mess up my environment because that was shameful. I wouldn't act stupid, say stupid things, or do anything stupid that would cause problems for the community because yes, that was shameful.


What fun to see shame as a theme for the Prickly City comic strip. Yes, I know shame is not a good thing when carried to extremes. I'd say seppuku would be waaay over the top for extremes.

Art just said I shouldn't call it shame. I should call it being responsible or accountable or considerate. Shame has a negative connotation these days.


Modern society has been really frowning on mentioning shame to children. However, if more people (and companies) would feel a little shame I'm thinking it wouldn't be such a bad idea.