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In Reply to: I always use this term posted by Acheick on September 05, 2004 at 09:26:30:
Actually, I'm working on a review of Chancellor's book. However, your reference to Singer's book is highly appropriate in this discussion. Her book was immensely helpful for understanding what happened to me, what I allowed to happen, and why. I agree with you Achieck, that regardless of what word we use to describe the phenomenon, assigning responsibility is another issue. With the help of Singer's book I now have a clearer understanding of how I was controlled and manipulated. What I don't understand yet is what level of responsibility I must bear for my role in validating an evil ideology that led to wide-scale abuse and exploitation.
I have so many issues to work through, and that may be one of the biggest, not only for me but for most of us exmembers from both generations. I have not yet put serious, prolonged thought into this subject, but I have wondered if there are things to be learned from the genocides in Germany, Rwanda and South Africa. There may be parallels in the Nuremburg trials or South Africa's Truth and Reconcialiation Commission that we can learn from. Is the culpability or blameworthiness (whether moral, ethical or legal) the same for all? Are bystanders just as guilty as perpetrators? Are followers as guilty as leaders? I have far more questions such as these, but I ask them not because I seek a defense or to escape responsibility. I'm willing to accept what ever responsibility I bear for my role, it's just that I'm not clear yet what that is. And I don't think we are anywhere close to reaching consensus on this issue. I think this issue may turn out to be one of the most important in our collective journies as exmembers.
