While boredom is often expressed with a sense of self-satisfaction, it should really be a source of embarrassment. While I agree with the reasoning for this claim, I do not think that boredom is viewed in a positive light in American society. Boredom can be a source of embarrassment when an individual is socially unskilled or has limited experience with life. Take, for example, the young boy who is bored and sitting on a park bench playing his iPhone, oblivious to those around him. It is evident to this observer that the boy has a great deal of free time on his hands and that his parents do not appreciate his disinclination to leave their home. Or, perhaps, he is bored and sitting with his friends during school recess. Unfortunately, these boys have not been able to form meaningful friendships and so they act bored out of habit. Other times, a teenager is bored at home and spends time playing on his computer, listening to music, or texting friends. While these teens may be enjoying themselves, their parents are worried about their anti-social behavior. Therefore, boredom is viewed negatively when an individual is not enjoying his or her leisure, for whatever reason, and has little, if any, interest in life beyond his or her own immediate concerns

Aside from cases of poverty and lack of socialization, boredom is often viewed as an individual’s personal problem, rather than a social one. While boredom may be a source of embarrassment for some, others find it a cause for celebration. Take, for example, the bored teenager. He or she spends time exploring his or her interests, perhaps writing poetry, listening to music, or reading. This teenager, however, is not wasting time, but pursuing activities that may eventually lead to a job or college. Boredom can be a source of pride when an individual knows he or she is using his or her free time wisely. However, while this type of boredom is often celebrated, a person that is unable to seek out or enjoy leisure activities is viewed negatively. This is especially true when his or her lack of leisure is motivated by economic factors. For example, the impoverished teenager may prefer to stay indoors, play video games, or watch TV, rather than see a movie or go to the mall. To this observer, the teenager is wasting his or her time, and just as embarrassing as the young boy in the park

While some may view boredom as a source of embarrassment, others may view it as an opportunity for improvement. A bored person may have the time and energy to explore new interests and learn new activities. However, boredom can also be a source of embarrassment when an individual does not have the means to acquire new interests or skills. Take, for example, the teenager who cannot afford to attend college but is bored by his or her mundane life. The teen may spend weeks researching online, learning about different colleges, and filling out college applications. While this is an admirable goal, the teen’s lack of a college education may lead others to view him or her as socially inept. Therefore, boredom can be a source of embarrassment when an individual does not have the means to expand his or her horizons

A final aspect of boredom that is a source of embarrassment is when it is exhibited by those who are clueless about life. Take, for example, the teenager who is bored at work and spends the day surfing the internet or reading magazines. This teen is wasting his or her employer’s money, and he or she is missing out on opportunities to learn about his or her job. To this observer, this teenager has no clue about his or her life and is an embarrassment to his or her co-workers. As such, boredom can be a source of embarrassment when an individual is socially unskilled and lacks curiosity. However, those who view boredom as a cause for embarrassment are often overlooking its many positive aspects. Boredom, after all, is an experience that many of us share, and while for some, it is a source of embarrassment, for others, it is a source of pride.