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The Macabresque: Human Violation and Hate in Genocide, Mass Atrocity and EnemyMaking,Used
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Studies of genocide and mass atrocity most often focus on their causes and consequences, their aims and effects, and the number of people killed. But the question remains, if the main goal is death, then why is torture necessary? This book argues that genocide and mass atrocity are committed not as an end in themselves but as a means to pursue sustained and systemic torture the spectacle of violence against its victims. Extermination is not the only, or even the primary, goal of genocidal campaigns.In The Macabresque, Edward Weisband looks at different episodes of mass violence (Chinese Cultural Revolution, the Holocaust, postOttoman Turkey, Cambodia, Rwanda, and Bosnia, among other instances) to consider why different methods of violence were used in each and how they related to the particular cultural milieu in which they were perpetrated. He asserts that it is not accidental that certain images capture our memory as emblematic of specific genocides or mass atrocities (the death marches of the Armenian genocide, mass starvation in the Ukraine, the killing apparatus and laboratories of the Holocaust, the killing fields of Cambodia) because such violence assumes a kind of style each time and place it arises. Weisband looks at these variations in terms of their aesthetic or dramaturgical style, or what he calls the macabresque. The macabresque is ever present in genocide and mass atrocity across time, place and episode. Beyond the horrors of lethality, it is the defining feature of concentration and/or death camps, detention centers, prisons, ghettos, killing fields, and the houses, schools and hospitals converted into hubs for torture. Macabresque dramaturgy also assumes many aesthetic forms, all designed to inflict hideous pain and humiliating punishments, sometimes in controlled environments, but also during frenzied moments of staged public horror. These kinds of performative violations permit perpetrators to revel in their absolute power but simultaneously to project hatred, revenge and revulsion onto victims, who embody the shame, humiliation and loss felt by their torturers. By understanding how and why mass violence occurs and the reasons for its variations, The Macabresque aims to explain why so many seemingly normal or "ordinary" people participate in mass atrocity across cultures and why such egregious violence occurs repeatedly through history.
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- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has four hundred eighty pages. It's a comprehensive exploration of genocide and mass atrocity.
- Q: What is the binding type of the book? A: The book is hardcover. This makes it durable for long-term use and ensures it withstands frequent handling.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures nine point twenty-one inches in height, six point fourteen inches in width, and nine point twenty-nine inches in length.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Macabresque'? A: The author is Edward Weisband. He provides in-depth analysis into the themes of genocide and mass violence.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the category of Social Psychology and Interactions. It delves into the psychological aspects of mass violence.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: No, this book is not suitable for young readers. It addresses complex themes of violence and torture that may not be appropriate for children.
- Q: How can I use this book for research? A: You can use this book as a primary source for understanding the dynamics of genocide and mass atrocity. It provides historical case studies and theoretical insights.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'The Macabresque'? A: The book explores themes of torture, systemic violence, and the cultural context of genocidal acts. It examines why ordinary people commit atrocities.
- Q: How can I keep this book in good condition? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover.
- Q: Can this book be damaged easily? A: Yes, like any hardcover book, it can be damaged if not handled properly. Use a book cover and avoid bending the spine.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of the book? A: If you receive a damaged copy, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Ensure you have your order details handy for a smooth process.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there typically is no warranty for books. However, you can check the seller’s return policy for any issues.
- Q: How does this book compare to others on genocide? A: This book offers a unique perspective by focusing on the aesthetic aspects of violence. It differs from many texts that primarily discuss causes and consequences.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for academic study? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for academic study. It provides in-depth analysis and case studies relevant to social psychology and history.
- Q: What makes 'The Macabresque' a valuable resource? A: It is a valuable resource due to its comprehensive examination of different episodes of mass violence and the cultural factors involved.
- Q: Where can I find additional resources related to this book? A: You can find additional resources through academic libraries, online databases, or the publisher's website, Oxford University Press.