In a dark departure from our standard picture of whistleblowers, C. Fred Alford offers a chilling account of the world of people who have come forward to protest organizational malfeasance in government agencies and in the private sector. The...
Exploring the complexities of trauma, the book emphasizes that those affected can articulate their experiences, challenging common literary theories. Through various narratives, including Holocaust testimonies, it highlights that representation alone does not facilitate healing. Drawing from British Object Relations psychoanalysis, the author posits that forgiveness often distracts from the necessary mourning of irreplaceable losses. Ultimately, the work presents forgiveness as a classical virtue, culminating in a detailed examination of Jean Améry's stance on forgiveness and its implications.
This 2006 book adds an extra dimension to the argument surrounding universal values of right and wrong.
If the Indian Wolan hadnt talked with the trees, or if the trees hadnt talked back, my cousin Bebe would be safely nestled in her New York City apartment, instead of hiding out with her child, Wolans son, deep in the Amazonian rainforest. Im Bebes cousin. Like Bebe, Im an anthropologist, sent by our relatives to fetch Bebe back after she was charged with murder. It was true. Together with Wolan she had murdered four gold miners who were polluting the Amazon. I thought I could slip her out of the country if she wanted to return. But did she?C. Fred Alford is a Professor of Government and Distinguished Scholar-Teacher at the University of Maryland College Park. He is the author of ten books regarding moral psychology and this is his first novel. Several years ago Mr. Alford won fifth prize in Story magazine's short story contest. He has never been to the Amazon.
Exploring the intersection of personal faith and political thought, the collection features essays that delve into topics like the author's reasons for prayer and the contrasting views of Simone Weil and Donald Trump. Alford simplifies complex theologians like Karl Barth and Soren Kierkegaard while offering critical insights. He posits that Christianity's essence lies in God's vulnerability and willingness to suffer alongside humanity, suggesting that the teachings of Christ hold more significance than the resurrection, which is often emphasized in traditional Christian discourse.
Exploring the social contexts of trauma, the book delves into how it affects individuals, groups, and cultures, as well as its generational transmission. Alford discusses the historical roots of trauma and the development of PTSD as a response to veterans’ experiences, emphasizing that these concepts are not purely scientific. The author critiques the scientific study of trauma, particularly the use of technologies like MRI, suggesting that such approaches may overlook the true essence of suffering inherent in traumatic experiences.