Humanitarianism in Literature and Literary Theory

Humanitarianism: Etymology, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “humanitarianism” originates from the 18th-century Enlightenment ideals and the Latin word “humanitas,” embodying notions of kindness, benevolence, and an appreciation for human nature. It conveys a commitment to alleviating human suffering and promoting the well-being of individuals and communities.

Meanings:

• Compassion and Empathy: Humanitarianism involves a deep sense of compassion and empathy for the struggles and hardships faced by fellow humans.
• Altruistic Action: It signifies selfless and altruistic actions undertaken to address and mitigate the impact of crises, conflicts, or natural disasters.
• Universalism: Humanitarianism often adheres to the belief in the universal rights and dignity of every individual, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, or creed.
• Social Justice: It encompasses efforts to address systemic injustices, advocating for fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and opportunities.

Concept:

• Relief and Aid: Humanitarianism manifests through the provision of emergency relief, medical assistance, and essential resources to communities affected by crises.
• Human Rights Advocacy: It involves advocacy for the protection and promotion of human rights, seeking justice for victims of conflicts and disasters.
• International Cooperation: Humanitarian efforts often require collaboration between nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international bodies to effectively respond to global challenges.
• Long-Term Development: Beyond immediate relief, humanitarianism can involve sustainable development initiatives to address underlying issues and promote resilience in vulnerable communities.

Aspect	Humanitarianism	Humanism
Focus	Alleviation of human suffering in crises.	Intellectual and cultural development.
Application	Immediate relief efforts, aid, and support.	Promotion of knowledge, arts, and education.
Ethical Basis	Compassion, altruism, and human rights.	Reason, critical thinking, and moral excellence.
Time Frame	Short-term responses to urgent needs.	Long-term fostering of human potential.
Scope	Global crisis response and aid provision.	Broad range, including philosophy and sciences.
International Focus	Collaboration on global humanitarian challenges.	Emphasis on individual and societal development.
Historical Context	Emerged in response to 19th-20th century crises.	Rooted in ancient Greece, Renaissance revival.

Humanitarianism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Humanitarianism is a theoretical term that encompasses a moral and ethical framework emphasizing the intrinsic value and dignity of all human beings. It involves a commitment to relieving human suffering, particularly in the face of crises, conflicts, or disasters, and prioritizes the alleviation of immediate needs. Grounded in principles of compassion and universal rights, humanitarianism seeks to address the fundamental well-being of individuals and communities on a global scale.

Humanitarianism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

• Henry Dunant: The founder of the Red Cross and a key figure in the development of modern humanitarianism, Dunant’s advocacy for the humane treatment of wounded soldiers laid the groundwork for contemporary humanitarian principles.
• Albert Schweitzer: Known for his medical missionary work in Africa, Schweitzer emphasized a “reverence for life” and the moral responsibility to alleviate human suffering, contributing to humanitarian thought.
• Peter Singer: A contemporary ethicist, Singer’s work, including “Famine, Affluence, and Morality,” argues for an ethical obligation to address global poverty and human suffering through effective altruism.

Works:

• “A Memory of Solferino” by Henry Dunant: Dunant’s firsthand account of the Battle of Solferino inspired the creation of the Red Cross and laid the foundation for international humanitarian efforts.
• “Reverence for Life” by Albert Schweitzer: Schweitzer’s philosophical work emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and underscores the moral imperative to alleviate human suffering.
• “Famine, Affluence, and Morality” by Peter Singer: In this influential essay, Singer argues for a global ethical responsibility to address poverty and preventable suffering through charitable actions.

Arguments:

• Universal Human Dignity: Humanitarianism argues for the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social status.
• Global Responsibility: Humanitarian thinkers contend that individuals and nations share a moral responsibility to address widespread suffering and promote social justice on a global scale.
• Effective Altruism: Some modern humanitarian arguments, influenced by effective altruism, stress the importance of maximizing the impact of aid efforts to achieve the greatest good for the largest number of people.

Humanitarianism: Major Characteristics

1. Compassion and Empathy:
   • Description: Humanitarianism is characterized by a profound sense of compassion and empathy towards individuals experiencing suffering or hardship.
   • Literary Example: In Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities,” the character of Sydney Carton’s self-sacrificial act reflects a form of humanitarian compassion.
2. Universalism:
   • Description: Humanitarian principles advocate for the equal worth and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
   • Literary Example: John Stuart Mill’s essay “On Liberty” articulates the concept of universal rights and liberties as foundational to humanitarian ideals.
3. Altruistic Action:
   • Description: Humanitarianism involves selfless and altruistic actions aimed at relieving the suffering of others, often in the form of aid and assistance.
   • Literary Example: In Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables,” the character Jean Valjean’s acts of kindness and generosity exemplify humanitarian values.
4. Global Perspective:
   • Description: Humanitarian efforts extend beyond national borders, emphasizing a global perspective in addressing crises and promoting well-being.
   • Literary Example: Khaled Hosseini’s “A Thousand Splendid Suns” portrays the impact of humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan, highlighting the need for global awareness and assistance.
5. Advocacy for Human Rights:
   • Description: Humanitarianism often involves advocacy for the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights as a means of ensuring dignity and justice.
   • Literary Example: Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” serves as a powerful humanitarian critique against slavery, advocating for the rights and humanity of enslaved individuals.
6. Response to Crises:
   • Description: Humanitarianism is prominently associated with swift and effective responses to crises, including natural disasters, conflicts, and epidemics.
   • Literary Example: The poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae reflects on the humanitarian impact of World War I, emphasizing the need to honor those who have suffered in conflicts.

These literary examples demonstrate how humanitarian principles and characteristics are explored and depicted in various works, capturing the essence of compassion, universal values, and the call to alleviate human suffering.

Humanitarianism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Humanitarianism
Humanism	Central focus on human experience, values, and potential. Often promotes empathy and understanding of diverse human perspectives.
Feminist Literary Theory	Advocates for gender equality and challenges oppressive structures. Addresses issues related to women’s rights, representation, and experiences.
Marxist Literary Theory	Examines social structures, class struggle, and economic inequality. May address humanitarian concerns related to exploitation, poverty, and social justice.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Explores the impact of colonialism and its aftermath on human societies. Addresses issues like cultural identity, displacement, and the quest for self-determination.
Ecocriticism	Examines the relationship between literature and the environment. May address humanitarian concerns related to ecological crises, climate change, and their impact on humans.
Queer Theory	Explores issues related to gender and sexuality, challenging heteronormative structures. Addresses humanitarian concerns related to LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination, and acceptance.
Critical Disability Studies	Examines representations of disability and challenges ableism. Addresses humanitarian concerns related to the rights, dignity, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
Existentialism	Focuses on individual existence, freedom, and responsibility. May address humanitarian concerns related to existential crises, meaning, and the human condition.

Humanitarianism: Application in Critiques

1. Play: “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry (1959):
   • Humanitarianism Perspective: The play addresses racial and socio-economic struggles of an African American family in 1950s America. It delves into issues of housing discrimination, dreams, and the quest for a better life, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and equality.
   • Critique: While praised for its exploration of systemic racism, some critics argue that the play might simplify certain aspects of the characters and situations, potentially diluting the depth of the humanitarian critique.
2. Play: “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller (1953):
   • Humanitarianism Perspective: Miller’s play critiques the Salem witch trials as an allegory for McCarthyism, emphasizing the devastating consequences of mass hysteria, false accusations, and the erosion of individual rights.
   • Critique: While effective in highlighting the dangers of collective paranoia, some critics argue that the play could have more explicitly addressed the humanitarian consequences of unchecked power and the need for solidarity against oppressive systems.
3. Poem: “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot (1922):
   • Humanitarianism Perspective: Eliot’s modernist poem reflects the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society. It raises questions about the human condition, spiritual desolation, and the need for compassion in a world torn apart by war and societal decay.
   • Critique: While praised for its complexity, some critics argue that “The Waste Land” may be overly pessimistic, potentially neglecting the possibilities for human connection and the potential for rebuilding in the aftermath of destruction.
4. Poem: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou (1969):
   • Humanitarianism Perspective: Angelou’s poem explores themes of racial and gender inequality, resilience, and the yearning for freedom. It speaks to the human spirit’s ability to rise above oppression and find strength in the face of adversity.
   • Critique: While celebrated for its powerful expression of the human spirit, some critics argue that the poem may at times simplify the complexities of racial and gender struggles, potentially risking an oversimplified portrayal.

In these critiques, the application of a humanitarian perspective involves examining how well the plays and poems engage with and advocate for human welfare, dignity, and rights, while also considering potential challenges or simplifications in their treatment of humanitarian issues.

Humanitarianism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Cosmopolitanism	Global community emphasizing shared human values.
Responsibility to Protect	Global commitment to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity.
Posthumanitarianism	Considers tech, climate change, and globalization in humanitarian issues.
Biopolitics	Intersection of political power and biological life in humanitarian contexts.
Humanitarian Intervention	Use of force to protect civilians and uphold human rights.
Critical Humanitarian Studies	Critically examines humanitarian practices, policies, and ethics.
Humanitarian Governance	Systems governing humanitarian action and crisis response.
Medical Humanitarianism	Focus on providing medical care in humanitarian contexts.
Intersectionality	Analyzing interconnected social categories in humanitarian issues.
Humanitarian Diplomacy	Diplomatic strategies advocating for humanitarian principles.

Humanitarianism: Suggested Readings

1. Ignatieff, Michael. The Warrior’s Honor: Ethnic War and the Modern Conscience. Henry Holt, 1998.
2. Slim, Hugo. Doing the Right Thing: Relief Agencies, Moral Dilemmas, and Moral Responsibility in Political Emergencies and War. Disasters Journal, vol. 28, no. 2, 2004, pp. 100-112.
3. Steger, Manfred B. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2003.
4. Ticktin, Miriam Iris. Casualties of Care: Immigration and the Politics of Humanitarianism in France. University of California Press, 2011.