Take a shot in front of D.L. Probing for a vein in my dirty bare foot… Junkies have no shame… They are impervious to the repugnance of others. It is doubtful if shame can exist in the absence of sexual libido… The junky's shame disappears with his nonsexual sociability which is also dependent on libido…
In William S. Burroughs' "Naked Lunch," the author explores the mindset of addicts, particularly focusing on their lack of shame. The imagery of a junkie injecting themselves underscores the depths of their condition and their disregard for societal norms. This behavior illustrates a desensitization to the disgust of others, revealing a profound disconnect from conventional feelings of shame.
Burroughs suggests that shame is closely tied to sexual libido, implying that in its absence, individuals may lose a fundamental aspect of their humanity. As the junkie's sociability becomes nonsexual and driven by the need for substances, it highlights a transformation where traditional emotions become irrelevant. Through this lens, Burroughs critiques the complexities of addiction and human connection.
