My performance in an imitation aerobics dance of the Bad Boys' 1987 Crystal Light Aerobics Championships...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GR_8UWhMsM
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
On the TRC and Forgiveness and Revenge in Sierra Leone
The TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Committee) was created by the UN to establish a forum to help begin a process of reconciliation and healing for the victims and perpetrators of the war. During our interviews with many local NGOs, government institutions and the Special Court, we heard a mixed set of emotions and opinions regarding the efficacy of this committee.
Here is a sampling of what my group heard:
"The TRC was a platform for perpetrators and victims to confess and ask forgiveness. Many people had the opportunity. Many people refrained from testifying because they were afraid they would be arrested [even though the TRC specifically stated that confessions would not go punished]." -Special Court
"I can't do anything except forgive."
- from a woman featured in the Mercy Ships film. She spoke about her feelings on returning to her village after having fistula surgery. Before the operation her friends, family and community had ostracized her because of her ailment.
Question: Was 'forgiveness' imposed upon Sierra Leoneons by the government?
Response: The TRC asked victims of the civil war if they would be willing to meet their perpetrator face to face, and many responded, "Yes."
"The message of forgiveness came from every angle. Because there is a high rate of illiteracy, this contributed to the obstacle of passing on information - people did not understand it if they were illiterate." -Special Court
"Saying, 'I am sorry,' does not go down with our people. We need symbols of unity for forgiveness." -Special Court
Some of the symbolic gestures that were provided to villages by the TRC were:
Renaming of 'Bush wives' - during the civil war, women were captured by the rebels and forced to become 'wives'. The women and their resulting children, who were born in the bush were often given 'ugly' names. After the war ceremonies were conducted to rename the children.
Cleansings - Cleansings were provided to girls who were raped during the war. This was meant to reduce the stigmatization that is often attributed to women who are sexually assaulted. As a result of stigmatization they can be ostracized from the community and it is very difficult to find a husband. The girls were washed, provided new clothes and taken away from their communities for 1-2 days. Upon their return to their communities, they were greeted with dancing, singing and drumming.
Quotes and responses from the youth leaders in the diamond mine area of Tongo, where much of the violence initially broke out:
"We cannot forget...no matter what."
Question: How did communities deal with the trauma of loosing people?
Response: Cook food, call elders to pray, say names of people that have died
Question: Do people want revenge as justice?
Response: "We forget all of the past. To forgive and forget, and accept all of our brothers back into society."
"The TRC was justice for us."
"The government told us to do this [forgive & forget]."
Here is a sampling of what my group heard:
"The TRC was a platform for perpetrators and victims to confess and ask forgiveness. Many people had the opportunity. Many people refrained from testifying because they were afraid they would be arrested [even though the TRC specifically stated that confessions would not go punished]." -Special Court
"I can't do anything except forgive."
- from a woman featured in the Mercy Ships film. She spoke about her feelings on returning to her village after having fistula surgery. Before the operation her friends, family and community had ostracized her because of her ailment.
Question: Was 'forgiveness' imposed upon Sierra Leoneons by the government?
Response: The TRC asked victims of the civil war if they would be willing to meet their perpetrator face to face, and many responded, "Yes."
"The message of forgiveness came from every angle. Because there is a high rate of illiteracy, this contributed to the obstacle of passing on information - people did not understand it if they were illiterate." -Special Court
"Saying, 'I am sorry,' does not go down with our people. We need symbols of unity for forgiveness." -Special Court
Some of the symbolic gestures that were provided to villages by the TRC were:
Renaming of 'Bush wives' - during the civil war, women were captured by the rebels and forced to become 'wives'. The women and their resulting children, who were born in the bush were often given 'ugly' names. After the war ceremonies were conducted to rename the children.
Cleansings - Cleansings were provided to girls who were raped during the war. This was meant to reduce the stigmatization that is often attributed to women who are sexually assaulted. As a result of stigmatization they can be ostracized from the community and it is very difficult to find a husband. The girls were washed, provided new clothes and taken away from their communities for 1-2 days. Upon their return to their communities, they were greeted with dancing, singing and drumming.
Quotes and responses from the youth leaders in the diamond mine area of Tongo, where much of the violence initially broke out:
"We cannot forget...no matter what."
Question: How did communities deal with the trauma of loosing people?
Response: Cook food, call elders to pray, say names of people that have died
Question: Do people want revenge as justice?
Response: "We forget all of the past. To forgive and forget, and accept all of our brothers back into society."
"The TRC was justice for us."
"The government told us to do this [forgive & forget]."
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
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