Tagged: “Dr. Robert Enright”
Asking groups of people to forgive those who have politically oppressed them is an open door to continue the oppression. What do you think?
My answer is similar to a question I just answered regarding the questioner’s concern about not being able to stand firm in justice when forgiveness is occurring. We need to keep in mind that forgiveness and the quest for justice exist side-by-side. There is no danger in forgiving other groups when you realize this and act upon this knowledge.
I am afraid to forgive because it may prevent me from standing firm and demanding justice. Can you help me with this?
Aristotle reminds us that we should not practice a moral virtue in isolation. When we forgive, we do not abandon the quest for justice. You can forgive and stand firm in asking for justice. In fact, the way you ask for justice and that for which you ask may be better if you are not fuming with hatred as you approach those who behaved badly.
Might forgiving induce guilt feelings if I forgive someone and my family members think it is not time to forgive?
We have to remember that forgiveness is your choice. If you are ready to do so, this is up to you. Others need to see that your view and theirs may differ. This difference should not make you feel guilty because you are doing something very noble in extending good will as well as good feelings, thoughts, and possibly even behaviors toward someone who acted badly. Such a heroic effort need not cause guilt if you see it accurately.
I think that giving up legitimate anger when treated deeply unjustly can be re-traumatizing. What do you think of that?
If we have legitimate anger shortly after being treated unjustly, yes it is a good thing to acknowledge this and not to deny or suppress it. If a person does not allow for a legitimate period of healthy anger (anger that is not so deep as to disrupt relationships, work, and rest), then this could re-traumatize. On the other hand, if a person clings to unhealthy anger (the deep kind that disrupts a life and relationships) for long periods of time, this can be a re-traumatization of the original injustice.
Sometimes institutions pressure people into forgiving. Do you think this is as ridiculous as I think it is?
I am not aware of institutions exerting pressure on people to forgive. Yes, there are exhortations to forgive, and if this is not filled with pressure but instead with encouragement, it can be good. This is the case because the institutions are pointing to forgiveness as a moral good worth trying. In this circumstance, the encouragement is good.
