January 21, 2025, 1:00 – 2:30 PM EST - Online
Minds Under Siege: Weaponizing Trauma for War
by Science & Nonduality (SAND)
It’s not re-membering, it’s re-traumatization... a regime of ritualistic reenactments designed to keep the losses as fresh and painful as possible. — Naomi Klein
We invite you to join us for a rich conversation between journalist Naomi Klein and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté, facilitated by filmmaker and radio host Cecilie Surasky, of Jewish Voices for Peace.
Together, they will examine how collective trauma and memory are weaponized for political ends. Drawing from Klein's recent analysis of trauma weaponization in current conflicts and Maté's deep understanding of trauma's psychological impacts, we will explore how media narratives and political rhetoric weaponize fear and trauma to gain public support for military and political actions.
Recommended Donation $25 (note: you can still register without donating if cost is a barrier to attending)
A recording will be available to SAND members and pre-registered participants only
Some of the themes we'll be looking at:
The mechanisms through which trauma is weaponized in politics
How media and memorial institutions shape collective memory
The relationship between trauma, political power, and public consent
Alternative approaches to remembrance that could break cycles of violence
This conversation aims to deepen our understanding of how trauma is instrumentalized while exploring possibilities for more healing forms of collective remembrance.
We look forward to your participation in this important discussion.