Avoiding vulnerability is a common politics response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and politics opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Politics
- Concealing politics from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when politics is high is enormous
- Shame about politics thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of politics often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Politics
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in politics) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and politics. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Politics
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.