In trying to understand Donald Trump in his review of David Keen’s book Shame (27 December), Charlie English does not distinguish between shame – our feeling of having done something wrong – and shaming, a demonstrative and abusive act of power that seeks to humiliate someone. Trump feels no shame because he does not accept or share the values of those who are critical of him; in his eyes he has wronged no one. At the same time, he cannot be shamed because he has constructed a defensive shield around himself that ensures every criticism bounces off. He seeks, instead, to humiliate anyone who opposes him or represents a different way of being in the world.
Of course, if we look deep into Trump’s past we could find that he was a victim of humiliation, which would partly explain but in no way justify his rage, vitriol and abuse, his sense that he is currently a victim of injustice, and his desire for revenge. All of these are consistent consequences of humiliation. Seeing his own actions as entirely just, he has no need – in his eyes – to feel shame. He cannot be defeated by accusations of shamelessness or attempts to humiliate him, but only by political action and being held legally responsible for his actions.
Phil Leask
Bristol
