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Short THREAD on a big topic:
Are we all being subjected to forms of MASS #Torture?
Two examples of current events that could be said to amount to mass psychological torture:
- #PoliceViolence as a "normal" response to protest
- Arbitrary & high impact govt decrees re #COVID19
Are we all being subjected to forms of MASS #Torture?
Two examples of current events that could be said to amount to mass psychological torture:
- #PoliceViolence as a "normal" response to protest
- Arbitrary & high impact govt decrees re #COVID19
EXAMPLE 1: #PoliceViolence as a "normal" response to citizen protest:
While not a new phenomena, here journalist @karinapdx describes the way recent widespread & indiscriminate police violence impacts the lives of those wanting to protest state actions. https://www.courthousenews.com/i-know-how-to-cover-a-portland-protest-so-why-am-i-shaking/
While not a new phenomena, here journalist @karinapdx describes the way recent widespread & indiscriminate police violence impacts the lives of those wanting to protest state actions. https://www.courthousenews.com/i-know-how-to-cover-a-portland-protest-so-why-am-i-shaking/
EXAMPLE 1: (cont)
While @karinapdx focuses on the effect of #PoliceViolence on the current protesters (& journalists), research on #PsychologicalTorture focuses also on the deterrent effect on those witnessing torture events - in this case via almost saturation media coverage.
While @karinapdx focuses on the effect of #PoliceViolence on the current protesters (& journalists), research on #PsychologicalTorture focuses also on the deterrent effect on those witnessing torture events - in this case via almost saturation media coverage.
EXAMPLE 1: (cont)
#PsychologicalTorture has recently been aired in the context of the treatment of #JulianAssange.
Here, torture of an INDIVIDUAL is discussed in depth by @NilsMelzer, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture & psychologist @LissaKJohnson:
#PsychologicalTorture has recently been aired in the context of the treatment of #JulianAssange.
Here, torture of an INDIVIDUAL is discussed in depth by @NilsMelzer, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture & psychologist @LissaKJohnson:
EXAMPLE 1: (cont)
But the effects of torture are not limited to the individual. Psychologist @LissaKJohnson also added that:
"Governments that jail & torture journalists do not treat citizens well. Governments that get away with it, even worse." https://twitter.com/LissaKJohnson/status/1284120123083599877
But the effects of torture are not limited to the individual. Psychologist @LissaKJohnson also added that:
"Governments that jail & torture journalists do not treat citizens well. Governments that get away with it, even worse." https://twitter.com/LissaKJohnson/status/1284120123083599877
The idea that torture of an individual has a much wider purpose was further explained by @NilsMelzer:
"The real purpose of torture ... is INTIMIDATION.
And it is not necessarily intimidation of the victim.
It’s intimidation of everybody else."
[56:35]
![The idea that torture of an individual has a much wider purpose was further explained by @NilsMelzer:"The real purpose of torture ... is INTIMIDATION. And it is not necessarily intimidation of the victim. It’s intimidation of everybody else." [56:35]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EdiLeIKXgAAbBfp.png "The idea that torture of an individual has a much wider purpose was further explained by @NilsMelzer:\"The real purpose of torture ... is INTIMIDATION. And it is not necessarily intimidation of the victim. It’s intimidation of everybody else.\" [56:35]")
"The real purpose of torture ... is INTIMIDATION.
And it is not necessarily intimidation of the victim.
It’s intimidation of everybody else."
[56:35]
EXAMPLE 1: (cont)
It's not a big step from there to the idea of MASS #PsychologicalTorture, via constant police violence - played into all homes on a daily basis via mass media.
"We’re gonna get you,” a couple of them yelled in singsong voices ..." https://www.courthousenews.com/i-know-how-to-cover-a-portland-protest-so-why-am-i-shaking/
It's not a big step from there to the idea of MASS #PsychologicalTorture, via constant police violence - played into all homes on a daily basis via mass media.
"We’re gonna get you,” a couple of them yelled in singsong voices ..." https://www.courthousenews.com/i-know-how-to-cover-a-portland-protest-so-why-am-i-shaking/
EXAMPLE 2: Arbitrary & high impact govt decrees re #COVID19
While seeming strange as an example of torture en masse, Amazing Polly @99freemind does a sterling job of matching govt actions to #AmnestyInternational criteria for #PsychologicalTorture:
While seeming strange as an example of torture en masse, Amazing Polly @99freemind does a sterling job of matching govt actions to #AmnestyInternational criteria for #PsychologicalTorture:
In case that 1 July 2020 video wasn't enough to get people thinking (and possibly even the attention of @NilsMelzer and his overworked team), @99freemind followed up with a further video on 21 July 2020.
I recommend both as a spur to deep reflection.
I recommend both as a spur to deep reflection.
I hope people find these concepts interesting (and fruitful) food for thought.
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