Introduction: “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler
“Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler first appeared in 2003 in the journal Studies in Gender and Sexuality. This seminal work has had a profound impact on literature and literary theory, particularly in its exploration of the intersections between personal experience, political structures, and cultural representations. Butler’s analysis of how violence, loss, and mourning shape our understanding of identity, community, and the political has been influential in fields such as feminist theory, queer studies, and cultural studies.
Summary of “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler
· Mourning as a Political Act: Central Thesis: Butler argues that mourning, traditionally seen as a private and personal act, can also be a powerful political act. She suggests that mourning the loss of lives, particularly those marginalized or derealized by society, can foster a sense of political community and solidarity. Mourning becomes a means to critique and resist the dehumanizing effects of violence and to reimagine the ties that bind us together as a society.
· Vulnerability and Relationality: Human Vulnerability: Butler explores the inherent vulnerability of human bodies, emphasizing that our physical and emotional susceptibility to harm connects us all. This shared vulnerability is not just a condition to be protected but also a foundational element of our social and political relationships. Butler argues that recognizing and embracing our mutual vulnerability can lead to more ethical and just political practices.
· The Question of the Human: Who Counts as Human?: Butler interrogates the concept of who is considered human and, consequently, whose lives are deemed worthy of mourning. She critiques the selective grievability of lives, noting how certain groups (e.g., Palestinians, victims of U.S. military actions) are often excluded from public mourning, reflecting broader societal structures of power and exclusion. This differential treatment underscores the political nature of recognizing some lives as grievable while others are not.
· Nonviolence and Ethical Responsibility: Ethics of Nonviolence: Butler links the recognition of shared vulnerability to the ethics of nonviolence. She argues that the practice of mourning can inspire nonviolent political action, as it fosters an awareness of our interdependence and the ethical responsibility we have toward one another. Nonviolence, for Butler, emerges from the understanding that harming others ultimately undermines the relational ties that constitute our humanity.
· Critique of U.S. Military Violence: Derealization of Loss: Butler critiques the U.S. military’s approach to violence, particularly its preemptive strikes and the derealization of the lives lost in these actions. She argues that such violence not only perpetuates cycles of aggression but also erases the humanity of those affected by it. This derealization, she suggests, is a political strategy that dehumanizes certain groups and justifies continued violence against them.
· The Role of Feminism: Feminism and International Relations: Butler discusses the appropriation of feminist rhetoric by political powers, particularly in the context of U.S. military interventions. She warns against the use of feminism to justify imperialist actions and calls for a rethinking of feminist alliances that prioritize egalitarian and anti-imperialist values over Western notions of autonomy and individualism.
· Grief as a Resource for Political Transformation: Transformative Potential of Grief: Butler posits that grief, particularly when it acknowledges the loss of lives deemed ungrievable by dominant powers, can be a resource for political transformation. This process of mourning can lead to a deeper understanding of our collective vulnerability and inspire movements toward more inclusive and equitable social and political structures.
· Norms of Recognition: Recognition and Humanization: Butler emphasizes the importance of recognition in constituting human subjects and their vulnerability. She argues that norms of recognition play a crucial role in determining whose lives are valued and protected. The struggle for recognition is not just about individual identities but about establishing the conditions for ethical and political responsibility toward others.
· International Feminist Coalitions: Coalition-Building: Butler concludes by advocating for the formation of international feminist coalitions that recognize and respect the diverse experiences and struggles of women across the globe. She argues that such coalitions must move beyond Western-centric frameworks and embrace a multiplicity of voices and perspectives to effectively address global issues of violence, exploitation, and inequality.
Literary Terms/Concepts in “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler
| Term | Explanation (in the context of the article) |
| Relationality | The idea that our identities are formed through our relationships with others. We are not isolated beings, but rather shaped by our connections. |
| Vulnerability | The state of being open to harm or attack, both physically and emotionally. Vulnerability is inherent to being human and having a body. |
| Interdependence | The state of relying on others for survival and well-being. We are all interconnected and dependent on each other in some way. |
| Dispossession | The act of being deprived of something, including possessions, power, or a sense of self. Grief can be a form of dispossession, as it involves losing someone or something important. |
| Mourning | The emotional process of grieving a loss. Butler argues that mourning is not a private experience, but rather a political one that can connect us to others. |
| Autonomy | The ability to act independently and make one’s own choices. Butler argues that autonomy is important, but it should not be understood in isolation from our relationships with others. |
| Corporeality | The state of having a physical body. Our bodies are central to our experiences of vulnerability, dispossession, and connection. |
| Melancholia | A different form of grieving than mourning. In melancholia, the lost object is not fully acknowledged or released. |
Contribution of “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler
| Literary Theory | Summary of Butler’s Contribution | Critique |
| Post-Structuralism | Decentering the Subject: Butler challenges the notion of a stable, autonomous subject, stating that the “I” is questioned by its relation to the Other. This aligns with post-structuralist views on the fragmented self. | Critique: While Butler’s decentering of the subject aligns with post-structuralism, it may undermine agency, complicating political action. |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | Mourning and Melancholia: Butler extends Freud’s concepts by linking mourning and melancholia to political contexts, emphasizing the transformative effects of loss. | Critique: Butler’s psychoanalytic approach is insightful but may overemphasize the unconscious, potentially neglecting socio-political factors. |
| Feminist Theory | Intersectionality and Vulnerability: Butler critiques Western imperialism’s use of feminist rhetoric, advocating for intersectional and anti-imperialist feminist practices. | Critique: Butler’s critique of Western feminism is significant, but some may argue she does not offer enough strategies for global feminist solidarity. |
| Queer Theory | Challenging Normativity: Butler critiques normative frameworks that determine which lives are grievable, thus broadening the scope of recognized humanity. | Critique: Butler’s work is foundational in queer theory, but her dense and abstract style may limit accessibility outside academic circles. |
| Ethical Theory | Ethics of Nonviolence: Butler advocates for an ethics based on shared vulnerability, suggesting nonviolence emerges from mourning and interdependence. | Critique: While compelling, Butler’s focus on vulnerability could be critiqued for potentially promoting passivity rather than active resistance. |
| Political Theory | Grievable Lives and Biopolitics: Butler questions how power structures determine whose lives are grievable, aligning with biopolitical critiques of state violence. | Critique: Butler’s focus on mourning and vulnerability is crucial, but critics may argue it lacks sufficient emphasis on structural resistance. |
| Postcolonial Theory | Critique of Imperialism: Butler critiques how Western powers use human rights and feminist rhetoric to justify military interventions, aligning with postcolonial critiques. | Critique: Butler’s theoretical critique is valuable, but it may be seen as insufficiently engaged with the practical realities of postcolonial struggles. |
| Existentialism | Human Existence and Finitude: Butler engages with existential themes, emphasizing the inevitability of loss and the transformative impact of mourning on human existence. | Critique: Butler’s existential themes contribute to understanding human vulnerability, but she may not fully explore the individual’s existential agency. |
| Critical Theory | Critique of Ideology and Power Structures: Butler analyzes how power structures limit the recognition of lives, contributing to the critique of ideology and social injustice. | Critique: Butler’s discourse-focused critique could benefit from a more materialist analysis of the economic and social conditions sustaining power. |
Examples of Critiques Through “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler
| Literary Work | Butlerian Concept | Critique |
| Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Mourning | Hamlet’s extended mourning period can be seen as a way of resisting societal pressures to move on. His grief is a form of political resistance against the corrupt Danish court. |
| Frankenstein by Mary Shelley | Vulnerability | The creature’s vulnerability and isolation can be seen as a critique of society’s tendency to reject and marginalize those who are different. His story highlights the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the importance of empathy. |
| Beloved by Toni Morrison | Violence, Trauma | The novel explores the lasting effects of slavery and violence on individuals and communities. Butler’s concept of vulnerability can be applied to the characters’ experiences of trauma and their struggle to recover. |
| The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood | Dispossession | The handmaids’ loss of autonomy and control over their bodies can be seen as a form of dispossession. The novel critiques the oppressive patriarchal society and the dangers of totalitarian regimes. |
Criticism Against “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler
- Overemphasis on Subjectivity: Some critics argue that Butler’s focus on subjectivity and individual experience undermines the importance of structural factors in shaping political realities.
- Neglect of Agency: Critics contend that Butler’s emphasis on vulnerability and dispossession can lead to a neglect of agency and the potential for resistance and change.
- Essentialism: Some have criticized Butler’s use of concepts like “the body” and “the human” as essentialist, implying universal characteristics that may not apply to all individuals or groups.
- Lack of Specificity: Critics argue that Butler’s analysis is too abstract and lacks concrete examples or case studies to support her claims.
- Overreliance on Psychoanalysis: Some argue that Butler’s reliance on psychoanalytic concepts limits the scope of her analysis and prevents her from addressing broader political and social issues.
- Ambiguity: Critics find Butler’s writing style to be ambiguous and difficult to understand, making it challenging to apply her ideas to specific contexts.
- Neglect of Intersectionality: Some argue that Butler’s analysis fails to adequately address the complexities of intersectionality, particularly in relation to race, class, and other social factors.
- Idealism: Critics contend that Butler’s vision of a more just and equitable world is overly idealistic and fails to account for the realities of power and conflict.
- Eurocentrism: Some argue that Butler’s analysis is Eurocentric and fails to adequately consider the experiences of people from non-Western cultures.
- Limited Impact: Critics argue that Butler’s work has had a limited impact on actual political change and has primarily influenced academic discourse.
Suggested Readings: “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler
Books
- Butler, Judith. Antigone’s Claim: Kinship Between Life and Death. Fordham University Press, 2000. http://cup.columbia.edu/book/antigones-claim/9780231118958
- Butler, Judith. Frames of War: The Discursive Regulation of Violence. Duke University Press, 2005. https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4098884/mod_resource/content/1/Butler%20%282009%29%20Precarious%20life%20-%20grievable%20life.pdf
- Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990. https://www.routledge.com/Gender-Trouble-Feminism-and-the-Subversion-of-Identity/Butler/p/book/9780415389556
- Butler, Judith. Undoing Gender. Routledge, 2004. https://www.routledge.com/Undoing-Gender/Butler/p/book/9780415969239
Academic Articles
- Butler, Judith. “Violence, Mourning, Politics.” Studies in Gender and Sexuality 4.1 (2003): 9-37. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15240650409349213
- Butler, Judith. “Precarious Life and the Politics of Mourning.” Diacritics 33.1 (2003): 17-33. https://www.wkv-stuttgart.de/uploads/media/butler-judith-precarious-life.pdf
- Butler, Judith. “The Force of Nonviolence.” Radical Philosophy 179 (2012): 15-25. https://iberian-connections.yale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Force-of-Nonviolence-An-Ethico-Political-Bind-by-Judith-Butler.pdf
- Butler, Judith. “Frames of War: Is It Possible to Think Beyond Violence?” Public Culture 17.3 (2005): 371-388. https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4098884/mod_resource/content/1/Butler%20%282009%29%20Precarious%20life%20-%20grievable%20life.pdf
Websites
- Judith Butler’s Official Website: https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/judith-butler
- Duke University Press: https://www.dukeupress.edu/
- Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/
- Diacritics: https://dvan.org/diacritics/
- Radical Philosophy: https://www.radicalphilosophy.com/
- Public Culture: https://read.dukeupress.edu/public-culture
Representative Quotations from “Violence, Mourning, Politics” by Judith Butler with Explanation
| Quotation | Explanation |
| “Who counts as human? Whose lives count as lives? And, finally, what makes for a grievable life?” | Butler questions the criteria by which certain lives are recognized as valuable and worthy of mourning, highlighting the political nature of human recognition. |
| “Mourning has to do with agreeing to undergo a transformation… the full result of which one cannot know in advance.” | Butler views mourning as a transformative process that fundamentally alters the mourner, emphasizing its unpredictable and life-changing nature. |
| “Nonviolence can and should emerge from the practice of mourning.” | Butler suggests that recognizing our shared vulnerability through mourning can lead to the development of nonviolent ethical and political practices. |
| “We are undone by each other. And if we’re not, we’re missing something.” | This statement emphasizes the inherent interdependence of human beings, suggesting that our identities and lives are deeply shaped by our relationships with others. |
| “Violence renews itself in the face of the apparent inexhaustibility of its object.” | Butler critiques the self-perpetuating nature of violence, particularly when it is directed at those deemed “unreal” or dehumanized by society. |
| “Grief contains the possibility of apprehending a mode of dispossession that is fundamental to who I am.” | Butler argues that grief reveals our essential vulnerability and relational existence, challenging the notion of the autonomous self. |
| “The body implies mortality, vulnerability, agency…” | Butler connects the concept of the body to its inherent vulnerability, which she sees as central to our capacity for ethical and political agency. |
| “Perhaps what I have lost ‘in’ you… is a relationality that is neither merely myself nor you, but the tie by which those terms are differentiated and related.” | Butler reflects on how loss disrupts our sense of self by severing the relational ties that define and differentiate our identities. |
| “It is not simply that there is a ‘discourse’ of dehumanization… but rather that there is a limit to discourse that establishes the limits of human intelligibility.” | Butler critiques how discourse determines who is recognized as human, arguing that some lives are excluded from this recognition, rendering them “unintelligible.” |
| “Grieving is something to be feared… it is feared as passive, powerless, and as something that can only immobilize and paralyze.” | Butler challenges the perception of grief as merely paralyzing, arguing instead that it can be a source of political action and transformative potential. |