Environment
Shame, Self Esteem and Pride
Mission 8
Shall we talk about shame?
As we have already explained, shame is something that is not talked about, unless you decide to do so.
Why are topics such as racism, sexism, or saving the planet not discussed?
Simply because we cannot talk about these issues without talking about privilege.
And when we know we are privileged…we feel shame.
You leave the cave and start walking through this territory. You find the land, air, and water polluted by excessive use of plastics and wasteful consumption of resources, and you see that its inhabitants suffer from a lack of awareness about climate change. Sometimes, we are embarrassed to talk about this issue for fear that our opinion will not be liked by others or because we do not value our own judgment enough.
This feeling can be a powerful driver of change.
When we realize how our decisions affect the planet, that shame can turn into motivation to act more responsibly.
For example, we can start recycling, reduce our energy consumption, or support sustainable initiatives.
EVERY CHANGE, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, COUNTS!
GET TOGETHER WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS AND WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A LIST OF ACTIONS YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN TAKE TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT. YOU CAN START WITH THE BEHAVIORS YOU FEEL ASHAMED OF.
(HINTS: THE 3Rs – REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, ENERGY SAVING, SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION…)
YOU COULD MAKE A POSTER WITH YOUR IDEAS AND TAKE IT TO YOUR CITY OR TOWN HALL, SCHOOL, OR UNIVERSITY SO THEY CAN MAKE COPIES AND DISTRIBUTE THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR FACILITIES.