James B. Twitchell

In the following viewpoint, James B. Twitchell explains the benefits of shame on society. According to Twitchell, the shaming of immoral or destructive behavior provides a strong incentive for people to avoid such behavior. Twitchell is a professor of English at the University of Florida at Gainesville, and the author of Lead Us Into Temptation and For Shame: The Loss of Common Decency in American Culture, from which this viewpoint has been excerpted.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Twitchell’s view, how should society apply shame to the issue of reproductive habits?
2. What changes does the author recommend in education policies?
3. How can ostracism be beneficial, in the author’s view"

Clearly human biology and evolution have hardwired us to experience the jolt of shame for a purpose. Shame shocks in...