The Anthropocene Reviewed Mortification and Civilization
20 snips
Jul 30, 2020 A parade of cringe-worthy memories, from a mangled science term to an embarrassing literary mix-up, opens into a look at why shame sticks with us. Then comes the tale of a healed femur and Margaret Mead, alongside a sharp examination of how the idea of “civilization” has been used to justify colonialism and racism.
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Open Fly
- John Green recalls a mortifying experience during a high school talk.
- His fly was open the entire time, only revealed after the Q&A began.
Uninteresting People
- At his first book signing, John Green read a passage insulting small, uninteresting audiences.
- He then realized he'd offended the only two attendees.
Mortification and Memory
- Embarrassment and shame sear into our memories more than joy or criticism.
- The neurotransmitter norepinephrine, released during embarrassing moments, creates vivid, long-term memories.