When we use shame as a tool for behavioral change, we have made a clear statement:
We have chosen not to see the person and systems, internal and external, that influence their current decisions.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/dcd71ce517cf4d57ae24ca40a5ecb6a5.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_654,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/dcd71ce517cf4d57ae24ca40a5ecb6a5.jpg)
And because these things are not known - the person is not known - we can absolve ourselves from any wrong doing. We can rationalize our efforts as lending a helping hand instead of it being, what it is, a damning rebuke of one's character and values.
As a result, we force those that we desire to see to do better into a shell: devoid of light and wrestling with the notion of hope.
Shaming people will not improve their financial situation - it will not close the wealth gap.
We are convinced, however, that love, compassionate empathy, and justice can.
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