Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Summer Nights

Discussion & Talk

Factual

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

BBC Radio 4 LW

Summer Nights: Series 2

Jane Garvey

Julian Baggini

Eva Simpson

Emma Burnell

Tim Stanley

Fern Brady

Ruth Watts

Summer Nights: Series 2: Episode 4: Comfort in others' shame

Episode 4

Episode 4: Comfort in others' shame

Series 2

Comfort in others' shame

BBC Radio 4 - Summer Nights, Series 2, Comfort in others' shame

Are we secretly reassured by the shame and failure of others? With Jane Garvey.

Why is the impulse to shame others so powerful? From fat-shaming to heaping shame on politicians, Jane Garvey discusses the politics of shame and what it says about us.

Jane Garvey asks why we appear to enjoy the shame and failure of others. Voyeuristic tales of those who fall short of the standards we hold up fill the pages of our daily newspapers. But, is it helpful to blame the overweight for the impact of obesity in society any more than it is to blame a holidaying Prime Minister for the course of complex international events? And when we talk about the 'shameless' family who rely on benefits, what is it that lies behind our fascination? Prurience or censoriousness, why do we take comfort in others being made to feel bad? 

Presenter: Jane Garvey
Producer: Ruth Watts.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Summer Nights

Series 2

Episode 4: Comfort in others' shame

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4