Description
Book SynopsisVictimization narratives arise out of the experience of historical and ongoing injury, and often intersect or, in part, constitute identity narratives. Unless transformed through reconciliation, these narratives can be used by political leaders to mobilize and perpetuate violence. Victimization narratives are grounded in lived experiences, whether by contemporary generations or passed on from one generation to another as a historical narrative about the prior experience of victimization. Therefore, cycles of violence cannot be ended sustainably unless those narratives are transformed; and first, narratives of victimization and cycles of violence must be disrupted. This is the work of many peace activists in Israel and Palestine whose relationships are built on empathic engagement. This book reviews theories of empathy across a broad range of scholarly work. It then applies a framework of political psychology to understand the role of empathy in the accounts of peace activists whose identities as victims were transformed by their empathic engagement. It includes a chapter providing historical background, and concludes with a consideration of alternative futures for the Israeli and Palestinian people and communities.
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Background
Chapter 3: The conflict today
Chapter 4:Trading Places: Empathy and Political Theory
Chapter 5: In their own words: Israeli Peace Activists tell their stories
Chapter 6: In their own words: Palestinian peace activists tell their stories
Chapter 7: Empathic engagement as political action: Constructing a Third Narrative
Chapter 8: Causes and Solutions
Chapter 9: Epilogue/Conclusion
