Can I apply for a Master's program with a higher diploma?

I have a bachelor's degree, but it's a general degree, and besides, I wasn't doing well during those years, so I graduated with a poor academic record and only a passing GPA.

I hesitate a lot when trying to apply for a master's program because I feel ashamed to apply with this embarrassing record. I don't even want to ask for a recommendation.

So I was wondering if a higher diploma could compensate for that.