Political violence has been known to have detrimental effects on individuals' physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Its impact on erotic memory and identity is less understood. Erotic memory refers to a person's recall of past erotic experiences that may be positive, negative, or neutral. Identity refers to an individual's sense of self-worth, uniqueness, and belongingness, shaped by various factors including personal history, culture, and society. This paper will examine how political violence can fragment the continuity of erotic memory and identity. It will discuss the different types of political violence, their consequences on erotic memory and identity, and ways to cope with them.
Types of Political Violence
Political violence includes both direct and indirect forms. Direct forms include war, genocide, terrorism, ethnic cleansing, and state repression. Indirect forms include structural violence such as poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. All these forms disrupt the continuity of erotic memory and identity in different ways. Direct forms destroy relationships, homes, and communities, leaving people traumatized and psychologically scarred. They also create fear and mistrust among survivors who often develop a distorted view of themselves and others. In contrast, indirect forms slowly erode the fabric of society, creating systematic oppression and alienation.
Poverty makes it difficult for people to access basic needs like food, healthcare, education, and housing, thus limiting their ability to form intimate connections. Discrimination creates barriers to social inclusion, making people feel isolated and excluded from mainstream society. Marginalization limits opportunities for participation in decision-making processes, leading to feelings of powerlessness and disempowerment.
Consequences on Erotic Memory and Identity
The impacts of political violence on erotic memory and identity vary depending on the type of violence experienced. War, genocide, and ethnic cleansing cause severe physical and emotional damage that affects sexuality. Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, and anger. These symptoms can negatively impact sexual desire, arousal, pleasure, and satisfaction. Victims may also have difficulty trusting partners or forming new romantic relationships due to fear, suspicion, and self-blame. Genital injuries and scarring can lead to sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or vaginismus. State repression causes similar effects by instilling fear and paranoia about sexual expression. It also encourages sexual conservatism and censorship, discouraging open communication about sex and sexual desires.
Coping with Political Violence
There are several ways individuals can cope with the consequences of political violence on erotic memory and identity. Therapy is a crucial intervention that helps victims process trauma and grief, develop coping skills, and improve their self-esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing PTSD symptoms like intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal, and negative beliefs. Group support groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences and building social connections. Mindfulness meditation, art therapy, and yoga help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and positive self-talk can enhance well-being.
Cultural rituals and traditions that emphasize community and spirituality can reconnect people to their roots and sense of belonging.
How does political violence fragment the continuity of erotic memory and identity?
Political violence fragments the continuity of erotic memory and identity by traumatizing people and causing them to experience symptoms like anxiety and depression which can lead to dissociative disorders that cause people to lose their sense of self.