Making space for conversations about coping with the internet
It started with Governor Patterson and his wife admitting they both had affairs. Monica Lewinsky exposed the human toll of online shaming. Chelsea Handler dared people to tell her what to do with her body. When you don’t come clean it can go the way of Anthony Weiner, but if you air your dirty laundry, you still have to figure out how to get elected. When searching for examples of excellent apologies, is Justin Timberlake’s as good as we get? The New York Post proves it's always a part of the problem. Academia is working on solutions, as are TED Talks and podcasts.
Can we balance swift justice and public shaming? How does one deal with extortion? Will nudes still matter in a few years? Cuz nudes are here and nudes are here to stay.
#PostShame is here to help us all cope with the fact that the internet remembers everything. It is a lens through which we explore who gets shamed for what and why.
Six Steps of PostShame
Our process helps people own pieces of their past that might have jeopardized their future if they were leaked online.
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1. DISCOVER
Having empathy for something in the news, or remembering something from your past, pursue an opportunity and be forced to do opposition research on yourself.
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2. INVESTIGATE
Consider what could happen if the information was released, consider if anyone else has been in this position. Shame thrives in secrecy. Shine a light on shame.
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3. CONFIDE
Look for a friend, therapist, or trusted advisor and share your story. Notice what happens when the secret comes out in small scale.
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4. FIND YOUR WAY TO LEAD
Find a way to help others who may be going through something similar and help dissolve their shame by letting them know they’re not alone. Prepare to come out.
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5. SHARE & LISTEN
Listen to the feedback. Witness breakdowns and breakthroughs as the impacts land with others and your view of yourself changes. Continue to share if/how you’re changing.
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6. REMAIN IN THE CONVERSATION
#PostShame is a journey and not a destination. After going through the process once you’ll be ready to find something else and start all over again.