Good afternoon!
Recently in our ASTU class, we’ve been talking about the concept of “Us. VS. Them”, brought up in Judith Butler’s novel, Frames Of War: When Is Life Grievable? In a couple instances throughout her first chapter, Butler brings this concept into question.
Who do you think of when you think of “Us”? It could be your family, your religion, your entire nation. But more importantly, who do you think of when you hear “Them”?
That to me seems more important. You can be a part of many different cultures, and many different groups. You can feel belonging in many aspects of your life. However, when the question of “Them” comes up, who does your mind turn to? Who, do you feel, you can never ever relate to? Who, under no circumstances, will you never belong with?
The answer, of course, is different for everyone, although I feel certain that, to at least some people, “them” refers to criminals; terrorists, murderers, thieves, whichever it may be. Shunned by society, they happen to be the “them” that “us” can never relate with. Even Judith Butler mentions on page 42, “Those who kill are not quite human, and not quite alive…”
I want to be able to agree with her, and to agree with the multitude of people who consider criminals “them”. A part of me does as well, because “Oh my God, how could they kill someone?!?!?”.
However, a part of me also doesn’t. Today in class, we discussed Guantanamo Bay and read poetry from some of the criminals being held there. Their poetry presented them with an alternative perspective in my head, briefly humanized them, and countered Butler’s opinion.
These prisoners, first and foremost, are human beings. Yes, human beings that have done atrocious, inexcusable things, but still human beings. Largely, these criminals; terrorists, murderers, thieves, whichever it may be, are a part of the biggest “Us” there is; the human population.
And isn’t it our job, as other humans, to expect a sort of humane treatment for all other humans as well? Shackles, and torture treatments, and rudimentary uncivilized behaviour does not in any way constitute as humane treatment.
This is not to say that Guantanamo shouldn’t exist, and the prisoners should be freed, and be able to roam the streets as they wish. It’s saying that, despite everything, they are still human, and despite everything, so are we.
After all, in the words of Serena Ryder, together we are one.
(Is that cheesy? I tried to be funny, sorry).