Seldom do people who have been publicly shamed step into the spotlight to tell their story.
I saw the TED Talk presentation by the infamous Monica Lewinsky. Yes, THAT Monica Lewinsky, who almost brought down a presidency. We have heard, and laughed at, the nasty jokes, and the snide cheap shots. And then have gotten on with our lives, and left her to live in her private hell for almost two decades. Somehow I feel guilty for not being empathetic for her public shame.
There is no value judgement here. No taking of sides, no soap box to preach to the world. Her talk was powerful, and a must watch. You see an attractive young lady, with a certain sincerity that is genuine. Her mistake? Falling in love at the tender age of 22 with the wrong man — The President of the United States. Her public humiliation driving her to the verge of suicide.
We have all done foolish, senseless things when it comes to matters of the heart. We all have skeletons in our closets. We have all been shamed at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, her shame was in the public domain in the digital era.
With her voice cracking and occasionally overcome with emotion, her message was simple.
Be kind. Be empathetic. be compassionate. It just might save a life. Worthy goals for all of us.
It takes a certain strength of character to face the critics and share a powerful message. Kudos to Ms. Lewinsky.
And for the rest of us — let’s not throw stones. We all live in glass houses and anyone without indiscretions, please raise your hand……
About Hemant Rustogi