Shame is given different meanings in various cultural contexts. In Jap
an, shame-prone and self-effacing behavior tends to be given positive
functional value and is actively promoted by society. In the United St
ates, society tends to prohibit such shame-prone behavior and the show
of one's vulnerability, while encouraging the visible demonstration o
f one's power and capacity. The author shows that these different mean
ings given to shame reflect different values of secretiveness in these
two societies. He concludes by suggesting an alternative view of sham
e that encourages flexibility rather than an exclusively positive or n
egative value of secretiveness.