There is a reality of studying terrorism and violent extremism that is not talked about openly enough. The more you become specialized, become an expert, become the top in an aspect of our field; you do so at the expense and detriment of your wellbeing. - ThreadSky

maargentino.com • 22 days ago

There is a reality of studying terrorism and violent extremism that is not talked about openly enough.

The more you become specialized, become an expert, become the top in an aspect of our field; you do so at the expense and detriment of your wellbeing.

Comments

ednaedna1226404.bsky.social•21 days ago

My child is a victim of 764 and I try hard to check in occasionally with anyone who’s helping us or reporting on our case, because what I’ve seen in the past two years isn’t something that anyone should have to see and I do worry.

rowyourbot.bsky.social•22 days ago

I can see it. As much as I know—and I do not have to focus on this all the time—I am broken by it. I learned about it when very young, and I think that messed me up in certain ways (while also getting me to see things most people won’t notice, something that has no benefit, but I can’t undo.)

islandofreil.bsky.social•22 days ago

@karlbode.com @swordsjew.bsky.social

edgarallanhoe.bsky.social•22 days ago

🗣️ facts my brother

genknoxx.bsky.social•22 days ago

I did some EMDR a few years back. Works for me.

robb.doering.ai•22 days ago

Well put. Society appreciates the sacrifice.

This is a super divisive rec, but this is what Garland was trying to examine in *Civil War* — specifically, facing the ugliest parts of humanity head on from a scholarly/journalistic perspective, thus relying on others to take action in response

robb.doering.ai•22 days ago

I’m not in the field obv so I can only guess, but it seemed fairly realistic to me. Sadly, not a lot of clear prescriptions there either for getting past it, other than the typical vague cinematic “rise to the occasion” heroes-journey stuff

maargentino.com•22 days ago

I think there is more to do in terms of self-care, therapy is a must in the field imo. But we must integrate things into our research practices: such as finding a method to seperate research/work and personal life. Personal procedures to digest what you saw. How to recognize your tipping point, etc.

cassandrarprt.bsky.social•22 days ago

Then there are the extra hurdles of finding a therapist that can be helpful given the topic, and affording that therapist.

maargentino.com•22 days ago

Some academics i find and some mentirs in the field behave as if we are studying the migration patterns of butterflies and not looking at hateful, toxic, sadistic content, people and behaviors.

maargentino.com•22 days ago

We harm ourselves vicariously through the topics, subjects and or materials we research and we do so for the most part willingly; but also unknowingly.

This reality is taken for granted, not spoken of or ignored, or simply not known but practitioners and researchers.

maargentino.com•22 days ago

We all need to take stock of ourselves and our wellbeing and none of us are immune to the harm and trauma of our work. We do have to take steps to protect ourselves.

(I have no magic solution, my self-care will not be the one that is fit for you or most people out there.)

faribrad.bsky.social•22 days ago

There's also this australian group, you can join in https://us.sahajayoga.org/21days2025/?utm_source=News+from+Sahaja+Yoga+Meditation+Australia&utm_campaign=8deec5530c-Qld+workshop+dec+2017_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_169db5459b-8deec5530c-203633607

faribrad.bsky.social•22 days ago

Ive been meditating since the 80s with this self teaching method, I recommend, it's free!
https://wemeditate.com/live?_sc=NTIxNDY1NSM4Mzg%3D

elisewang.bsky.social•22 days ago

I think about this a lot as I write, and how it infects not just my mental state but also my prose—I become more combative, more defensive, less generous as I study these things.

maybemadeline.bsky.social•22 days ago

I've often wondered how you've kept your humanity in your research. Keep strong!

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