In psychology, there is a phenomenon we refer to as “psychic numbing.” It occurs during times of staggering catastrophe, when it seems however we try, we cannot prevent a tragedy. Indifference and defeat set in. Systems of oppression rely enormously upon this kind of detachment, banking on the burnout of dissenters. The utter devastation of Gaza — and the impunity of its assailants — is a strong example of psychic numbing: six months in and 35,000 slaughtered. Nearly half of them children.... Read this story
