Beyond “Only one can live”

In this chapter I reflect on my theory of the Third in relation to experiences travelling in parts of the world where my colleagues are struggling with the effects of violence and collective trauma either in the present or its aftermath. In addition to psychoanalytic thinking I will bring some of my experience with dialogue in the Middle East to bear on these issues. ¹ This represents an effort to show the possibilities for applying psychoanalytically derived concepts to social phenomena, and suggest ways in which recognition theory can be used to grasp deep psychological structures within both collective and individual processes. My thoughts about acknowledgment and witnessing could only take shape because of the opportunity to connect with those who embodied these ideas in their practice in conditions of extreme violence and suffering. This thinking about the meaning of witnessing has acquired a different cast since the recent election of 2016 and the ensuing crisis of democracy. As permission to express violence and hatred against the vulnerable has been delivered, it has become clear to many that acknowledging the present and historical reality of violent oppression in America requires active resistance. While only a few stood up when the images of militarized police in Ferguson, the use of force against Black Lives Matter, flashed on our TV screens, now, a whole new spirit of resistance has seized a great number, who refuse to be bystanders. The question that preoccupies me is whether this movement can show an implacable will to face the truth of our society and its history without engaging in violence ourselves. Can we be as radical and forceful as we must be without subscribing to the kill or be killed ideology of our opponents. In this light, I believe the analysis of “Only one can live” remains relevant. For his inspiration, wisdom, leadership in this vision of dignity and non-violence (Benjamin, 2016b), I will always be most grateful to my friend Dr. Eyad el Sarraj, to whose memory this chapter is dedicated.