Cruel literature for cruel times
The article discusses the need for literature that challenges comfort and questions certainties in an age of rising extreme violence and acceptance of human rights violations.
In today's society, while the number of cruel acts may not have increased compared to previous decades, there is a disturbing rise in the acceptance of extreme violence and inhumane treatment of others. The article highlights how acts that would once be hidden, such as extrajudicial killings or imprisonment of immigrants in concentration camps, are now openly celebrated by political leaders and citizens alike. This shift indicates a troubling embrace of far-right ideologies reminiscent of the horrors of the twentieth century, showcasing how narratives of destruction can become mainstream.
The author argues that, rather than seeking comfort or escapism through literature during such dire times, readers may benefit from texts that provoke thought and reflection on moral complexities and societal values. In the face of political leaders openly admitting to violent acts, literature can serve as a critical mirror that confronts readers with uncomfortable truths and challenges prevailing notions of justice and humanity. This calls for a literary response that encourages readers to reassess their convictions about morality and human rights.
Ultimately, the article suggests that there is a pressing need for literature that does not merely reassure but rather confronts the painful realities of contemporary life. As extreme ideologies gain traction, authors may play a vital role in shaping discourse, demanding accountability and insisting that societies do not forget the lessons of history, thereby urging a collective resistance against normalizing violence and cruelty.