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War, Emotion, and Extreme Violence in Colonial Namibia: War and Genocide 31

Evan Simmons

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Published in The Herero Genocide: War Emotion And Extreme Violence In Colonial Namibia (War And Genocide 31)

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The 31-year war and genocide in colonial Namibia, also known as the Namibian War of Independence, was a protracted and brutal conflict that left a profound impact on the nation and its people. The war, which began in 1966 and ended in 1990, was fought between the South African apartheid regime and the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO),a Namibian liberation movement. During the war, the South African military and police forces engaged in widespread atrocities against the Namibian people, including torture, rape, and mass killings. The war also resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Namibians and the destruction of countless homes and communities.

Emotions play a complex and often contradictory role in war. On the one hand, emotions can fuel and perpetuate violence by motivating individuals and groups to engage in acts of aggression and cruelty. On the other hand, emotions can also lead to empathy and compassion, which can motivate people to resist violence and promote peace.

In the case of colonial Namibia, emotions played a significant role in both fueling and perpetuating the war and genocide. The South African government used propaganda and other means to stoke fear and hatred of Namibians among its own citizens, thereby justifying the violence that was carried out against them. Namibians, in turn, were driven by a deep sense of anger and resentment at the injustices they suffered under South African rule. This anger and resentment fueled their determination to fight for their freedom, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Herero Genocide: War Emotion and Extreme Violence in Colonial Namibia (War and Genocide 31)

The Herero Genocide: War, Emotion, and Extreme Violence in Colonial Namibia (War and Genocide Book 31)

by Matthias Häussler

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1518 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	409 pages

The war and genocide in colonial Namibia had a profound impact on the emotional experiences of individuals and communities. Many Namibians experienced trauma and loss during the war, and the effects of these experiences continue to be felt today. Survivors of torture and other forms of violence often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, and may feel isolated and alone.

Communities that were affected by the war and genocide often experienced a sense of collective trauma. This trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including social disorganization, economic decline, and political instability. In some cases, collective trauma can lead to cycles of violence and conflict.

The war and genocide in colonial Namibia left a lasting legacy of war and emotion. The conflict's emotional wounds continue to shape the lives of individuals and communities in Namibia today. The legacy of war and emotion in Namibia includes:

Historical trauma: The war and genocide left a deep legacy of historical trauma in Namibia. This trauma continues to be passed down from generation to generation, and it can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of Namibians.
Emotional scars: The war and genocide left many Namibians with emotional scars that continue to affect their lives today. These scars may include feelings of anger, resentment, fear, and sadness.
Intergenerational trauma: The war and genocide also had a significant impact on the children and grandchildren of survivors. These individuals may experience intergenerational trauma, which is the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next.

The war and genocide in colonial Namibia was a complex and devastating conflict that had a profound impact on the nation and its people. The war's emotional dimensions played a significant role in both fueling and perpetuating the violence, as well as in shaping the emotional experiences of individuals and communities. The legacy of war and emotion in Namibia continues to shape the lives of individuals and communities today, and it is important to understand this legacy in order to promote healing and reconciliation.

The Herero Genocide: War, Emotion, and Extreme Violence in Colonial Namibia (War and Genocide Book 31)

by Matthias Häussler

5 out of 5