Martha Minow writes that a “…failure to remember, collectively, injustice and cruelty is an ethical breach. It implies no responsibility and no commitment to prevent inhumanity in the future.” (2002: 28)
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Identify the problems caused by the failure to collectively remember injustice and cruelty and examine the various ways in which societies have sought justice after atrocities, considering both practical necessities and ethical considerations. Conclude by discussing what you consider to be the ideal approach.
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- You must write in your own words: short quotes are fine but do avoid long passages. The essay must be well-written and have an introduction and conclusion. Please write in a manner that explains clearly all key concepts and examples; don’t assume that the reader knows what you are talking about. Please be sure to include in-text citations with page numbers :).
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- Integrated into your discussion of the above question should be references to the following:
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- denial, vengeance and unhealed wounds
- collective memory and acknowledgment
- victims, bystanders and perpetrators
- retributive justice, punishment and restorative justice
- individual responsibility vs. collective guilt
- reconciliation and forgiveness
- the experiences in Germany, the US, South Africa, Bosnia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone