Emotions & Mass-Violence
Dr. Danny M. Cohen
School of Education & Social Policy
Northwestern University
Talking about mass-violence
In this room, many of us have personal connections to
different histories and different kinds of mass-violence.
We will try our best to speak with
kindness and respect, and without judgment.
How to navigate our emotional responses
to mass-violence in the past and present
Just before we begin to study histories
of war, genocide, and mass-violence,
what emotions do we expect to feel?
What emotions might we feel when we see:
(1) ...black-and-white photographs from the Holocaust
or color images from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda?
(2) ...mass-violence in the news, happening in the United States,
or even in our own community?
(3) ...videos of war and mass-violence on our phones,
happening today on the other side of the world?
Common Emotions
Worry ... Dread ... Anxiety ...
Disgust ... Fear ... Terror ...
Sadness ... Sorrow ... Grief ...
Anger ... Rage ... Hatred ...
Surprise ... Astonishment ... Awe ... Overwhelm ... Shock ...
Confusion ... Ambivalence ...
Apathy ... Indifference ... Detachment ... Numbness ...
Shame ... Guilt ... Powerlessness ... Despair ... Distrust ...
Connection ... Sympathy ... Compassion ... Empathy ...
Understanding ... Overidentification ... Love ...
Relief ... Satisfaction ... Joy ... Fascination ... Obsessiveness ...
Hope ... Inspiration ... Empowerment ... Pride ...
Grounding ... and many more ...
Why do we often believe that
there's a “right” or “wrong” way to feel?
Why are many emotions simplified or even ignored, hidden, and suppressed?
When we encounter mass-violence,
what can we do with our emotions?
How can our emotional responses
to mass-violence be helpful?
Navigating My Emotions
BEFORE: Prepare & Set Expectations
I can ask myself:
What do I expect to see?
What emotions do I expect to feel?
What are all the possible emotions that I could feel?
I can remember:
Every emotion is valid.
Every feeling is "normal."
I might feel many emotions back-to-back and all-at-once.
Everyone responds differently.
DURING: Pause & Check In
I can ask myself:
What emotions am I feeling?
What feelings are most surprising to me?
Which of my emotions seem to be in conflict?
Which emotions are difficult for me to face?
I can remember:
Naming my emotions makes them manageable.
I can be aware of other people's emotions.
I can face and cope with difficult emotions.
There are people who care for me and can support me.
AFTER: Reflect & Plan
I can ask myself:
What is my emotional journey?
What does my 'emotion map' look like?
How do my emotions help me learn about myself?
How can I use my emotions to guide positive actions?
I can remember:
My emotions can help me learn.
My emotions are better expressed than kept hidden.
My emotions can guide me to take positive actions.
My emotions can help me connect with others.
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