Beech Tree News Network

Unfortunately it rears its ugly head periodically in society.  The “it” to which I’m referring is shame, guilt by another word.  With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen instances of it in our community and across the state as some folks seem intent on “shaming” others who may not be following certain aspects of the government’s directives relative to social distancing.  Perhaps you and a buddy broke the 6-foot rule?  Maybe you had the audacity to venture into public without a mask?  Or, you really went rogue and actually attended a mass gathering of some sort, as it is currently defined by government officials - unless it is a home improvement store, of course?  In Kentucky we even set up a “hotline” to facilitate this shaming behavior.  Thanks, governor.  Jeez.

Now, before readers hit the send button on their hate email, please note that I am not blowing off the coronavirus as “nothing to see here,” reminiscent of a Leslie Nielsen movie.  It has been and is a serious health concern, especially for some demographic groups, and certain precautions were and are necessary.  Additionally, it seems at this point that state government may not have done enough to help protect those in longterm care facilities and prisons.  Perhaps, more government action in this area would have been warranted there as compared to ticketing church attenders at Brooklyn and removing picnic tables at the Farm Boy.

Folks should get all of the accurate information they can about any issue and follow reasonable government directives as best they can.  But, what typically happens in some cases is that a few well-intentioned citizens like to take it upon themselves to be the enforcers.  This is where the shame comes in, where we accuse people (often publicly) of not caring, endangering others, being irresponsible, etc.  just because they may choose to conduct themselves differently than you do.  We have seen in Kentucky, across the country, and on social media as well - this urge to police the behavior of others and to shame them into doing what you believe is “the right thing.”  It’s for the “common good,” as is often said, or at least the government’s version of it.    

Sadly, our community has traveled a similar road before.  Much “shaming” was done by both sides during the wet-dry fiasco as some extremes were so eager to point out the faults of others and, incredibly, to attach such sinister motives to those with whom they disagree.  Shaming was widespread on both sides.  

I am not a proponent of civic irresponsibility and there have been cases of that by some during this pandemic for sure - if you are sick … stay home!  Rather, I am a proponent of individual responsibility, concern for others, and freedom.  I have my opinions and am sharing them here but if you disagree -that’s fine.  That’s where we can and should keep this debate.  Let’s not resort to shaming each other just because we may see things differently.  We are better than that.

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