In a literal sense ignominia means without a name, since it is formed by the prefix in that indicates lack of and nomen, that means name. In this way, an ignominy occurs when someone has been publicly dishonored and offended in front of others. Being the victim of ignominy implies feeling ashamed for having committed a dishonest action and, at the same time, suffering the contempt of others.
The adjective ignominious expresses something ignoble, humiliating and unworthy. In the sentence "the boss had an ignominious behavior" it is communicated that there was a shameful act and that it deserves the contempt of others.
Shame refers to unacceptable behavior
In popular language it is said that "something has no name" when it is unspeakable and, therefore, it is an ignominy. In general, ignominy refers to behaviors that are amoral, shameless, mean and contrary to the most elementary norms of society. In this sense, examples of ignominy would be cases of corruption among public officials, eluding family responsibility or violent acts without any justification.
The punishment of ignominy in Roman Law
The Romans of the ancient world placed great importance on individual honor. Losing one's honor meant that someone ceased to be recognized by others. The loss of honor was contemplated in the laws. In this way, certain illegal behaviors such as theft, insults or breach of a contract were punished. These behaviors were considered very serious and were accompanied by a punishment, the punishment of ignominy.
Who could impose this punishment was the censor and normally the imposed penalty consisted of not being able to exercise any public office for a certain time or in some cases the offender was punished with exile. Regardless of the punishment imposed by justice, the offender was also socially punished and somehow lost the recognition of his fellow citizens.
Marx's reflection on the concept of ignominy
The philosopher Karl Marx contributed an interesting reflection on this concept. According to the philosopher, the true gravity of ignominy consists in being aware of it.
In this way, if someone is unjust in a totally conscious way, his ignominious attitude is doubly serious, for the unjust action he commits and for the fact of acting with full conscience.
Photos: iStock - Enis Aksoy / Juanmonino
