In Common Shock: Witnessing Violence

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Reading about GRRRL house and hearing the stories of those who created the space, was so refreshing. It was kind of a wakeup call, showing me that there have been spaces and can be spaces like GRRRL house at DePaul. Throughout my three years at DePaul, student activism has had a lot of push back and the idea that the university would allow such a space on campus was surprising. I think what I took away the most was the energy the individuals exuded, their love and care for one another and the space they created was practically tangible, with their laughs and shouts of surprise as more friends and former members showed up. Through their interactions, nonverbal and verbal, I got a sense of the community they created – the support, difficulties, …show more content…
Moving away from the term bystander, she emphasizes the interconnected social fabric we are all a part of, by understanding how witnessing violence and violation produces real physical and psychological impacts. Unfortunately, everyone has, to some extent, witnessed and will witness violence. But, Weingarten goes on to say that these experiences of witnessing should not debilitate our understandings of what has happened, nor an individual’s reactions, or lack of, to the violence that occurred. She articulates a universal experience, that has not been given much attention to. In a sense, reading a few chapters from her book lifted a burden or veil I had been carrying. I had not fully recognized how I have witnessed violence towards others, myself, or what she calls “witnessing yourself as a witness”. By giving a name to this experience, the author has helped me further analyze how I want to move forward in these types of situations. As she simply puts, “If we are aware, we have choices” (Weingarten 8). In such an individualized society, with institutions furthering segregation and separateness from each other, understanding the role of witness as an active role is vital to creating more intentional and dignifying world. It is also important to note the importance of understanding the context, intent and capacities of witnesses, when faced with situations of violence. One may not be able to actively or physically engage in the situation at hand, but I believe acknowledgement is key. Whether it be through storytelling or listening, speaking truth - our lived experiences - is resistance, it is liberating, and it is transformative. Awareness brings all the actors, witness, perpetrator, and person harmed, into play by acknowledging how all three are impacted. Recognizing and honoring these emotions and the harm done is a process of remembering and thus,
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