from Ann Althouse August 7, 2019
In a guilt society, control is maintained by creating and continually reinforcing the feeling of guilt (and the expectation of punishment now or in the afterlife) for certain condemned behaviors. The guilt-innocence world view focuses on law and punishment. A person in this type of culture may ask, “Is my behavior fair or unfair?” This type of culture also emphasizes individual conscience.In a shame society, the means of control is the inculcation of shame and the complementary threat of ostracism. The shame-honor worldview seeks an “honor balance” and can lead to revenge dynamics. A person in this type of culture may ask, “Shall I look ashamed if I do X?” or “How people will look at me if I do Y?” Shame cultures are typically based on the concepts of pride and honour, and appearances are what count.In a fear society, control is kept by the fear of retribution. Fear-Power worldview focuses on physical dominance. A person in this culture may ask, “Will someone hurt me if I do this?”…
Guilt-Innocence: more associated with Islam, Christianity and JudaismShame-Honour: more associated with Eastern religionsFear-Power: more associated with animist and tribal societies
Which further leads me to think that I can make myself feel better or worse depending on what I say to myself given my orientation. The averaging could be back to worse if I’m doing well LOL. Or, the averaging could be for the better if I’m not doing well.
Nobody can do it for us. Like training.