Why psychiatrists say we have to rebuild society | The Chris Hedges Report

The pervasiveness of trauma in American society is intimately linked to the ubiquity of sexual violence in our culture, and ultimately, the politics that buttresses this reality. In the second installment of a two-part discussion, acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. Judith Herman returns to The Chris Hedges Report for a discussion on the political implications revealed by her medical expertise: the need to confront the violence of our present system by reconstructing society itself.
Dr. Judith Lewis Herman is a psychiatrist who studies trauma and developed the diagnosis for Complex PTSD. She is the author of several books, including her most recent, Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice.
Studio Production: David Hebden, Cameron Granadino, Adam Coley
Post-Production: Adam Coley
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[@kristinmeyer489]

Psychiatrists could start by admitting they have made serious mistakes, causing many people serious suffering and harm.

[@happygucci5094]

This. This. This.

[@auntiebobbolink]

You are so right,! Thank you! 👏✊

[@DoreenBellDotan]

This is a big advancement in Psychiatry. Psychiatry used to be dedicated to making people who are traumatized by ambient injustice feel that they have some personal problem that makes them a misfit.

[@SeanConneryPimpShlap]

Psychiatry is still about that and harms tons of people, myself included

[@nfbconnect]

I started addressing a lifetime of abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, betrayal, failure of police, medical and court systems at 31... I gave up on justice when I was in my teens. I'm 38 and now completely disabled due to CRPS, Crohns, Hashimotos, and Chronic PTSD. It's been described to be a "nervous system on fire" I did everything I could. I read Herman's book. I read all of them. Did group therapy, individual, and yoga. But I couldn't get my health on track and my immune system attacked me. A college graduate with my own consultancy but I ended up homeless. I had to move back in with an abusive parent and I just wish we had humane end of life options for those of us who will not be able to overcome it all...

[@madeleineswords704]

The anger goes in, or the anger goes out

[@cheri238]

Never give up, don't give in, there will be hopefully a door will open up for you. It's a terrible experience trauma is for anyone. ❤

[@mimiboucher1182]

The police failed me too. All cops are bastards . Hang in there.....but living with your abusive parent is nothing you can really get used to .....I know ..I tried. I started drinking which made it worse. You'll get out someday. Or get on disability because you're not making .money ...you need five months of making very little money to be considered. They will deny you at first but keep trying. You need to feel safe

[@mimiboucher1182]

" As long as you can take a breath , you fight to live" ..from the Revenant movie..best revenge movie ever with Leo Dicappoo and the bear!

[@mimiboucher1182]

I wish I could afford a real psychiatrist like her!!

[@robertburnett6348]

As a child i was sexually abused. As a adult was almost killed in Vietnam. Now isolated. Political opinions seem the decider. But as Glen Greenwald , "friendships that depend on political agreement have no value". So even my vet friends have ignored and resented me.

[@edgarcayce2.02]

Glen Greenwald is SO full of himself. It's unbelievable. I honestly don't think that you should listen to a damn word he says. Turns out he's another "any way the wind blows" kind of guy. And I think the statement you quoted is absurd.

[@user-gs1lz2pw9v]

Weed and nature. People are overrated

[@adamgorelick3714]

Many years ago I was working in a little book shop one evening when some police officers came in asking for potential witnesses to a rape which had just occurred. In a tiny parking area next to the shop a woman was apparently walking to her car when an assailant forced her at gun point to perform oral sex on him. One of the cops was overheard saying, "It was just oral copulation." JUST. The level of insensitivity to victims of this horrible, life-altering crime is incomprehensible to me. There is an undeniable element of misogyny in our culture that is on full display in the criminal justice system whenever rape is reported. Whether shame prevents reporting of the crime or shaming results from an ugly cultural attitude, a wound is kept open. For male rape victims the shame, of course, has a different stigma attached to it - and the justice system, a different kind of shaming.

[@auntiebobbolink]

When my car was broken into and I insisted a cop come and take a report, he arrived surly....it was beneath him. Then he flashed a porn picture in his clipboard. I reported it to his Sargent and was told " It was a joke. Can't you take a joke, lady?". If porn in a uniform is a joke ( and he suffered no consequences at all), I don't doubt that there are cops quite capable of rape. Obviously, they would downplay the seriousness of the crime. There are obviously a lot of sick cops.

[@robertplatte5700]

to the policeman it was just oral copulation ,he quite possibly deals with this crime often, he is hardened to it , he would have a different point of view on life, a sad indictment of this modern life

[@l.w.paradis2108]

No one who has ever suffered trauma will ever feel fully connected with other people again. Not under rabid capitalism, at any rate.

[@grmpEqweer]

I have a hard time agreeing with that; it's proven true for me, but I've had a LOT of trauma. Some people simply are more resilient than others; some people have less trauma than others.

[@l.w.paradis2108]

@A_Boogeyperson Trust your own experience. "Someone, somewhere is doing well." I thought so and was wrong so many times. I agree about categorical statements, though, you're right about that. Maybe it is possible. Humans can astound us.

[@Kid_Ikaris]

Oh man. Maybe if it all rests on the word fully. But I don't know. Like I truly don't know. Whatever level of connection that is possible is worth fighting for.

[@Voe198]

Capitlism is too small and too dated a term to describe the complicity and the sophistication.

[@cheri238]

Our laws needs to be changed here in America. Cornel West for president 2024.

[@ardien.535]

we have a long way to go but we need to get there. i got thrown out a mental health counseling program because i kept bringing up the political sphere in regards to trauma and healing. i went to a private religious university. they played a lot of lip-service to such ideas as justice, but when it came to real action and the deeper conversations, they did not appreciate me speaking up. Neither did they students. what initiaited me being pushed out was a student or perhaps students complaining to the head of the program. i was almost done with the program as well. they messed with me so bad that i had a mental breakdown and then when i spoke to them about, ironically, the injustice of what i was being put through, they told me i wasn't fit to be a therapist because i was having a mental breakdown lol. i don't when I'll get over that experience. Dr. Herman is one of the good ones

[@warrengraham5145]

With how much destruction has been unleashed on the world and society, it really feels like we're rebuilding from the ground up already. I'm just so glad our generation are some of the kindest and accepting people I've met. To quote a great man: Never give up, never give in. Hate is always foolish and love is always wise. Run fast, laugh hard, be kind.

[@charlenee2751]

I had been encouraged by hearing younger people have a better clue . I am hopeful. People had a clue in the 60tys and fought to bring awareness and were oppressed. I think it's the same for every generation but with the internet and more of a world view the younger generation is better informed if they choose to be. It's been a struggle since humanity began I am sure. Fear driven societys

[@averayugen7802]

Chris is my generation. I am thrilled I was in the generation that had teach-ins about the power of kindness itself. Nobody can imagine how this one item energized and inspired the whole boomer movement. Sorry to overgeneralize. But maybe the older "Progressive" movement was similarly conscious...

[@42Mrgreenman]

Fun Annecdote: I watched a short of a waitress who had talked to a bunch of their wait-staff friends, and they all noticed something about how people leave the table after they are done with a meal...many who were Baby-boomers and older left the table as-is...while most Millennials and Gen-Z tended to stack all their plates with the garbage on top... to show we know how hard their job is (and bussing is equally taxing), we respect them, and it's the least we can do...just thought that was an interesting observation...I'm a millennial (37) and I've never thought about it, but I have always stacked my plates and put all the garbage together so it's easier to carry and to dump in the trash... If I were to wager a guess as to why...I'd say it's the economy...Millenials and Gen-Z came of age in three of the worst times in recent history...The .Com crash/War on Terror, the Subprime mortgage crisis, and the crash before and during Covid...so many of us are currently stuck at or only have the education to work these kind of service and retail jobs...and the prospects just seem to keep getting worse...so I feel that many of us have a deep understanding of how unfair these kind of jobs can be in the grand scheme...just my two-cents...Last I checked, Millennials only hold about 5% of the nations wealth...and it's not looking good for Gen-Z as they go through their first decade or so of work...

[@stephaniewells4380]

It seems like through all of HisStory, a thing is always built up to its peak, until no good thing can further come out of it, and then its all destroyed, and what is salvaged after words is the new age. Salvation, are you the 'eye' or maybe an 'ear,' I can't wait, till we meet, there. the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

[@averayugen7802]

Indeed! I loved that memory of the kindness explosion. It WAS genuine. And maybe it was the best lasting legacy of the so called "hippie " movement 4 want of a better expression. The combination of vulnerability and gentleness and smarts (regardless of what/who that really represented) ...was so powerful it filtered down through later generations of youth and it WILL pull us out of the depths...it is still here in all its power...sounds a little too "new agey" so forgive me, but think I'm right

[@TI.T.O]

Being abused as a child only leads to a fucking awful adult life if you have to deal with shit like this. I'm a survivor and I'm just thankful I'm alive. Every day is a new day so be grateful for it. Our days on this planet are numbered

[@johnhackett4270]

and what about when the Culture is toxic - the person who is traumatized gets blamed, and has to clean up the impossible mess.

[@screenarts]

Sometimes you're just fked perfect storm. You can't clean up whats hidden from you. Solutions range from violence to suicide, but ignoring it is rolling over and asking for another.

[@Marius_vanderLubbe]

That is capitalism in a nutshell.

[@mgkos]

@@screenartsyou can only fix it for yourself by getting safe & finding some happiness & fulfilment. That’s also the best revenge on enemies because it’s the opposite of that which they want-that you suffer badly & blame yourself. Nothing drives them madder than having a good life with lots of love.

[@mgkos]

True

[@CP-nt5rk]

Beating up the wrong guy

[@hgrossman1406]

I would just like to say what a great service Chris Hedges does by bringing forward points of view that are not popular, disturbing, speak truth against power, and most of all, reflect a broad humanity.

[@joeows6537]

We cannot rebuild a society that does not exist, we can only build a society that we attempt to achieve to live within.

[@PaperHero69]

How bout open a history book? lmao. Even the American Revolution was absolutely a rebuilding of society as a project.

[@joeows6537]

@@PaperHero69 Which Revolution, the 1776 or the one we are about to have? Society's devolution is quite apparent.

[@kahlodiego5299]

They're just seeking validation but that's too costly to society.

[@aliceinwonder8978]

I was on anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and attention meds. I had constant side effects, was always switching meds, and also struggled to take them consistently which worsened all the above. They maybe helped a bit... i think the anti-depressants numbed me out and i guess it was an improvement, but i was still depressed and numb. I stopped taking all my meds and i had months of depression and withdrawal and feeling worse (their response: take ur meds!) After withdrawal ended I feel so much better. (Not good, but better. Idk who can feel good these days).

[@Featherfinder]

I’m glad you’re feeling better. I’d like to get off most of the stuff I take (or all). I do find getting out into nature is extremely helpful. All my best to you!

[@cheri238]

Getting out in nature and leaning against a tree one can breathe. Herman Hess has a beautiful poem about trees. Sending both of you love.❤

[@avalonmist254]

You are not alone in your experience!🍀

[@Thurnishaley6969]

marijuana for depression works wonders

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

See a hypnotherapist. One session -- an hour -- will do more than the months of "treatment" given by the psychiatrists. It's a scam. The mind is the key. Taking meds means "my mind is powerless to help me" ....

[@tiospayetiwahe]

No one escapes in this industrial society. Collapse is only way

[@richardscathouse]

Sooner the better

[@robynliteracy7057]

So far, in this time, the only escape through collapse I've witnessed has been as individuals.

[@LMLewis]

I wrote just the other day that America has been de-socialized by corporate propaganda and policies, also reflected in government policies, that relentlessly destroyed social connections and traditions in order to maximize corporate profits. For example, farmers, who traditionally aided each other in difficult times, have been pitted against each other by poultry companies that control production and sales through winner-take-all compensation schemes. In that environment, aiding a neighboring farmer may result in the helping farmer losing everything. That is a deliberate and terrible assault on the social fabric, and just one of many.

[@AwakenedAvocado]

Realise that the structure and nature of corporations are psychopathic. I call it corporate psychopathy. It is absolutely encouraged, and very unnatural .

[@drewm9903]

This is why I kind of despised the way of thinking that there are "winners and losers". When society is runned by that way of thinking, everyone loses. When people are willing to rat each other out and fight amongst themselves, they all lose.

[@ondacase691]

The double standard in this country sucks bro

[@ejr3331]

As a child sexual abuse victim who dissociated and relapsed massively with my CPTSD during the court case this is the first time I've ever heard anyone acknowledge the trauma of court and how none of it was about punishment or money for me. I just wanted acknowledgement and the truth. He got not guilty and I'm still trying to rebuild myself. I wasn't strong enough to cope with the court case and I'll never forgive myself for that. There is no justice which means no matter how much I try I'll never regain myself. The moral injury it caused and the beliefs I held about truth and justice all my life were ripped from my being. We need women like this woman to teach barristers, judges and criminal systems all over the world 😢😭

[@pirbird14]

Forgiveness is mandator in the Mennonite community my mother grew up in. It is a deliberate mechanism for suppression of legitimate feelings of trauma in the victim for the sake of peace in the community. If the frustrated anger you feel is noticed by others, you will be told you are "stewing in your own juices." If your pain shows, you are "whining" and "just looking for attention." No attention is paid to your need to process your trauma. In 2006, Charles Carl Roberts shot up a schoolhouse in West Nickel Mines, an Amish community. That very day, the community leaders started talking about forgiving the shooter. I was appalled, but not surprised.

[@matthewkopp2391]

I would consider that the shadow side of that type of Christianity. I appreciate aspects of the Mennonites such as there attitude against war. But what you are pointing to is misguided. But even in my incredibly liberal denomination UCC my pastor believed in family dynamic therapy ideas, and advised me to have a relationship to my abusive alcoholic father I was estranged from. I couldn’t. There is indeed a transcendent perspective one can gain. But it can’t be forced. You can find a grace but it won‘t happen out of naïveté. For me the key was acceptance of the human condition. But the Gospel does not even say forgive, Without the other asking for it. Luke 17:3 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him.” Forgiveness is predicted in this instance when some actually asks to be forgiven, when there is a legitimate attempt and when someone is trying to change their behavior. My father never once admitted a single instance of his abuse. Not once. He was prideful and unconscious. There was no relationship I could have with him. And the moments I visited he actually just would pick up where we left off. I don’t consider the Bible the final word either. But you can see what is missing from the equation. Very few people are even asking for forgiveness. If they don’t ask, they are not even interested in a real relationship!

[@MelonCollie_28]

😕 *sigh* ... this is extremely heavy. It takes a lot of conscious, patient and empathetic individuals to help rebuild this society on that type of level. Too many people with trauma (which is, like, just about EVERYONE globally) have regressed into some sort of substance abuse and/or hiding behind social media. The unpacking is large, but can be done.

[@edwardTisk-ix8nj]

Justice doesn't exist. It is only a thought. Something to strive for.

[@richardscathouse]

Exactly

[@morganpauls1873]

merit

[@billyd1436]

This was an emotional but enlivening set of interviews by two of the most important people in my life, literally. Thank you. I would love to have her back for part 3… looking more closely at the mind of the perpetrator and the commonality of abusive techniques across differing settings. Also the physical systems, or the necessary infrastructure that an abuser sets up to operate in, whereby that particular mind that is so twisted can then go on to apply their contorted views. And- the long term psychological effects on those exposed to Cluster B personalities, who, I believe are mostly responsible for much interpersonal violence and control.

[@susanmercurio1060]

Hmmm... interesting point. In restorative justice, they consider three participants: the perpetrator, the victim, and the community. The community provides the environment that breeds crime.

[@mike_d_melb_music_fan5229]

"that particular mind that is so twisted can then go on to apply their contorted views" . Indeed, I find it preposterous the onus should be on the victim to forgive. Many abusers/sex offenders in my amateur opinion, as such sociopaths they'll say anything to appear contrite in court m when remorse doesn't even enter their thinking.

[@beng4647]

At least rebuild the entire healthcare system.

[@richardscathouse]

Don't hold your breath. Treatment will always be more profitable than cures. 😂😢

[@beng4647]

@@richardscathouse 90% can't even get treatment

[@NinorahDeux]

YES@@beng4647

[@dulynoted2427]

Growing up as a child, we weren't bombarded by sex and violence with what was available on the TV. Video games started off very innocent. The only thing that was damaging, was the advertising of food with high sugar content to children. The parent's job has been tenfold in the challenge to rear their children in allowing them to develope a healthy rationale for when they are mature enough to discern for themselves between right and wrong.

[@Frisbieinstein]

A young Robert Reich worked for the FCC. The FCC tried to regulate advertisements for high-sugar cereals. Congress retaliated by reducing the FCC's budget, forcing their workers to take an unpaid vacation.

[@farmingwithnick9443]

Thank you thank you. You’re a real hero Chris Hedges.

[@Mike-B.]

Very good discussion -- great guest!!

[@naomiruocco3994]

It is so amazing to see two of my favorite advocates together in an interview ❤ Chris, you have been getting through my daily struggles as I see around me others trying to bury their heads in the sand and you have validated for years now that it's not only in my head as so many like to pretend. Judith, I was going through a horrific custody battle where I was forced to give custody of my children to a father and uncle who were creating immense trauma to them (I cannot say what on this public forum). My hands were tied in helping them due to the court system who turned around my being a protective parent into blaming me as harming them through claiming I was alienating them from him and for a time lost custody of them. During that time I felt horrific knowing I could not protect them as a result. Prior to losing custody and during a time I had a temporary restraining order on the father for his abuse to them my childrens doctor had recommended your book "Trauma and Recovery". He told me his parents were survivors of the concentration camps in Germany which due to his need to try and understand their trauma he discovered your book. There are very few books or movies that impacted my life in the way yours did. You helped me through many rough years of custody battles and the suffering and pain I endured not only through what he was doing to them but what he had done to me before they were born. I can in no way say I am fully recovered as trauma survivors always have the scars, but your wise words helped me to learn how to live with these wounds and gave me strength during the hardest time of my life. Once I read a saying "Occasionally you come across angels cleverly disguised as human beings" (unsure the source) and the both of you in very similar but different ways have been such a thing for me. Thank you for all the good you do ❤

[@Yahoo947]

This presentation is a blessing because I/we do relate to our history of wartime trauma which reminds me of just how horrific war was & has been when it comes to & did traumatize our men & women & families in the military. Then and now it remains true: all wars are banker wars ...almost 250 years of trauma of wars especially NOW!!!!

[@25lighters91]

And WHO ARE THE WORLD'S PRIMARY BANKERS ? 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱

[@proudhavenot]

Thank you for this discussion. I work primairily with older folks and all of them look like they are still dealing with some level of trauma, i.e. familiy, the town or city in which they grew up and of course the different workplace enviornments. You can see it. What you stated in the begining about how recovery takes place with relationships is SO true. But, as you noted we need to learn how to reconstruct this. AWESOME video.

[@yehmen29]

A couple of years ago, I watched a long interview, on KZbin, of a French female psychiatrist who had worked for 2 years in a palliative care home, straight after graduating. She had expected to talk to patients who had regrets about their lives (things they had done, things they had not done), about their relationships, who were afraid of death. She was absolutely shocked by the number of patients who wanted to talk to her about child sexual abuse they had experienced 50, 60, 70, 80 years before. Sometimes they had told adults at the time, but they had not received any help. Sometimes they had kept silent their entire life... The perpetrators were long dead (and the statute of limitation was increased from 10 years after the child reaches adulthood to 30 years in 2016 only) so this wasn't about revenge. French psychiatrists have this dogma that most child sexual abuse allegations are lies, fantasies, or 'false memories' and that female doctor's bosses told her that the patients must have been 'hallucinating' because of the strong painkillers they were on, however, as she put it, why would they have been hallucinating about having been raped when they were children, and not about something else. She quitted after 2 years and at the time of the interview, she was working in a jail, with people who had been convicted of child sexual abuse (and typically don't get long sentences unless they murdered their victim). She was hoping that she might stop some of them from reoffending once they were released, but she was not very sanguine.

[@gabrielmaroto18]

Everyone everyone go out and buy the book without sanctuary by James Allen

[@gertrudewest4535]

I disagree. I chose to be alone and am much better off because people don’t know how to connect in healthy ways. They lie and are violent.

[@billyd1436]

I understand what you say. My attempts to re-emerge socially was met with predators and self interested misfits. PTSD when undisclosed prevents people from accepting me, and so I just get shunned and retraumatized. Most social settings are hierarchical and power based, just the opposite of what we all need. I find even the “helping” community doesn’t know how to interact. Get a cat?

[@CP-nt5rk]

A black one.@@billyd1436

[@JenniferRusso5]

I have been shunned most of my life due to autism and my unfortunate appearance. I am better off alone.

[@elyon_moon]

How do you exist when you can never get justice? The societal injustice, mixed with no community/support group is too hard to function in. What do you do?

[@richardscathouse]

One day at a time, as I've always done.😮 as a man must. No one will give a damn if your a man 😅

[@elyon_moon]

@richardscathouse obviously in a non dystopic community/world, you would recieve just as much support and hugs needed as a man too because pain has no gender? Don't be silly, it's only in the dystopian reality that men are treated that way. I suppose our resistance must start with each other. We have to be more gentle with our fellow humans and save our rage for the creation of a new reality.

[@jim2628]

IT IS NO MEASURE OF HEALTH TO BE WELL-ADJUSTED TO A PROFOUNDLY SICK SOCIETY ------ J. KRISHNAMURTI

[@GrandmaCathy]

Nothing has ever been done to punish rapists, and nothing ever will. Men feel entitled. They have the power. They have the money. Nothing will ever change in society. The only options women have is to live with it, learn serious self-defense and be willing to defend themselves vigorously and viciously as it takes.

[@billyd1436]

Please sister, let us not forget that women also perpetrate violence onto men, who do not report at higher rates than women. This is about power, not gender.❤

[@oreradovanovi5204]

But what is exactly the "punishment", I don't think it's jail. Wonder if group encounter would do that, but how to make the person participate in the group? Psychedelics?

[@GrandmaCathy]

@@oreradovanovi5204 I don’t think you can change a grown person who thinks violence is OK. Violence and sex crimes, I think are personality disorders that can’t change.

[@mariq9918]

Thankyou Chris. Some of the ideas resonate when coming to these from trauma from the punishment industry that has been constructed (in Australia) under guise of "a justice system" cf a system for justice. The Gap between these most grapphically traced in the Australian Royal Commission Report on Black Deaths in Custody" now 30 years on & still to spawn new ways to practice justice in this country. Your discussion here shines a nrw slant on how we construct & practice judicialn punishment

[@user-vz9eg5rx7e]

Thank you Mr Hedges Your work is so important Giving a voice to many of us

[@Yahoo947]

How do we bring Chris Hedges to Ohio! This is a God Sent message for me as I just experienced the most horrific hospital experience in my life. I went to the hospital for & accidental hand injury but was shockingly kidnapped and placed in a mental hospital for over week. In my entire life I had never been in the hospital more than 2 days in my life & that was in 1972 when I had my child. To this day I have reached out to attorneys in Ohio. They tell me that they are sorry this happened to me but they don't handle these type of cases. At some point I was to have had a court order intervention or legal help. To this day I have heard nothing from any court or attorney. Yet this is a form of medical malpractice. As we watch & witness the increase of police shootings & killings in hospital emergency rooms in Ohio & across the nation with laws being passed giving police to place anyone in these hospitals if they just suspect that a person has a mental problem or depression .

[@minniewipster8130]

I already picked up a copy at my local public library!

[@yehmen29]

Dr Judith Hermann is one of my heroes. Back in the 1990s, when I was 18-25 and trying to escape my family of origin (child sexual abuse, i.e. incest, child physical abuse and child emotional abuse) I was told NOT to read her book (or Susan Forward's books, and was told off for reading one of Alice Miller's books) by Roman Catholic and Jewish psychiatrists, psychoanalysts and social workers. They were alt right/far right (Eric Zemmour who was one of the far right candidates in the last French presidential election is a Jew, and Marine Le Pen has a lot of Jews in her party) and antifeminists. The first step in Dr Hermann's recovery plan, 'Establishing safety', was completely bypassed: the goal for these doctors was for you to get 'reconciled' with your family and move back in with them, or to move with a different kind of abusers (the Communaute Saint Jean, a Roman Catholic convent where the nuns were 'sex slaves', in the own words of the Vatican spokesman, or some man or other). Many of the women and teenage girls who were 'helped' by those people ended up in the clutches of pimps, or committed suicide, or died prematurely (drug use, sex game which went wrong, cardiovascular disease and liver disease induced by prescription of heavy doses of psychiatric drugs, conjugal violence) or became lifelong inmates of psychiatric asylums. The ones who got 'better' are the ones who 'escaped', i.e. the ones, like me, who decided that their priority was to get a job so that they could pay for housing on their own, away from their family, and then focus on 'self work' (exercising to regain a sense of agency and get reconciled to one's body, eating healthily to get auto immune diseases under control and, again, get reconciled to on'es body, 'book therapy', which enables one to discover authors like Andrea Dworkin and Pete Walker, studying part time to use one's brain and realize that one is as intelligent as any man). If I had met someone like Dr Judith Hermann when I was in my 20s, my life would have been completely different. I am near 50 and homeless, but thankfully I am still single and I have avoided sex for rent and sex for work arrangements, I do not take any drugs (even though I have cancer) and I am much happier and content with my lot than many women who went for the solution society prescribes: find a 'boyfriend' and have children (and be a bad mother, especially to their daughter,s but also create a new generation of rapists).

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Well said!

[@TheBlackParty]

America Pay What You Owe!

[@michaelballiro1092]

I was introduced to Trauma & Recovery in grad school. There were two military gentleman in my grad program who discounted Dr. Herman's work because they believed, as military persons, that they owned PTSD. Such a narrow minded perspective has no place in the healing professions. I fear that these gentlemen where provided degrees when they could only do harm as potential practitioners.

[@AnneSterling-jz9rs]

Excellent broadcast. Love the concept of perp accountability and conscience as the focus. So: does our society expect all victims of crime to merely forgive? It seems built in to law enforcement regarding domestic abuse. 'Law is made for the lawbreaker'. Victims are imprisoned by the silencing imposed upon them while the guilty walk free, enabled. Mercy is for those who deserve and also ask. The greatest of love is most violated otherwise and the trauma is unending

[@plugnut4713]

Great points articulated about forgiveness. I can vouch for society's insult to trauma survivors with . . . get over it; move on, forgive, be happy instead. We hear it from the families, church, therapists, courts, education systems, law enforcement, many institutions. It's said directly and indirectly to the victim. So, if you're not a trauma survivor, don't be so smug, calloused and self-righteous about another person's deep physical and emotional pain, suffering. Injuries that are about an abuser doing all he or she can to break the heart, mind and soul of the victim. The survivor experience is brutal and life altering. The healing process is slow, if ever.

[@lawrencelancaster3601]

Flood the zone like and share this broadcast Chris, excellent segment And Catholicism, one of the requirements for canonizing a Saint are recorded miracles Theaters of war, prisons, literary landscape, and the media these are arenas that you must have been called to perform in It is apparent that your spiritual foundation has provided you the armor to wade into the social, political global environment The miracle you perform is God’s work, giving voice to the voiceless strengthening, the courage of the good, preparing spiritual and social warriors Your persistent conviction burns brighter than a Roman candle Here too, I recognize miraculous Effort My brother, it must be acknowledged that you are among the good drawing the good to each other A saint may be later for now. It can be said you’re that dude. 32:22

[@operator9858]

And psycology was used to create this prison society. Least they can do is help us get out of it now...

[@thequantumalchemist2965]

In the US, yes.

[@operator9858]

We can all see the problem but even now nobody is talking solutions. This will not end well.

[@noreenhappel8531]

There can’t be forgiveness without contrition!!!

[@emkelly8879]

And really, how absurd this 'just out for the money stereotype is' in any case. Such a statement could only be made by someone who's never tried to overcome serious trauma - or someone who's never had no money. Without resources a person has no access to professional support to heal. Money is choice. Money is healing. Money is energy to overcome, to outsource services that in some way may help a person forge a life beyond victimhood. Trauma changes you - usually in ways you don't want to be changed. And much of recovery is grieving the person you left behind - and having money means you can pay someone to listen to you while you grieve, to witness, validate and accept the battle you are in to reclaim a sense of comfort in the world again.

[@robynliteracy7057]

It's extremely absurd. I was just thinking, no sane person would put themselves through the hell of reporting, and re-telling, a rape. Multiple times. Doing the entire "rape kit" exam just for, what? Money? How is this a money-maker? This is a bizarre hypothetical that someone thought (through what tortured logic I'm not sure) would actually sound reasonable. Probably someone like a cop or a lawyer, probably male.

[@tahwsisiht]

19:33 When the community can't bring the perpetrator to contrition, it is not just wrong to pressure the victim for forgiveness, but causes further damage to the victim to be looked less than human, more like an object to someone who isn't even capable to have remorse and to have conscience. As for the community, it is damaging because where self protection, basic human rights are denied and a limit to behaviors acted out by exploitation is enabled, the people who have empathy and kindness are the ones who suffer. Protecting and empowering the wrong people will cause them to thrive without any boundaries to their wants and unjust behavior. People can have forgiveness once they feel their pain and suffering were recognized. What do you "forgive" when there is no recognition? That is not forgiveness, it is "forget about it" -ness. Without contrition, the victim may heal in a community where is recognition of the wrong doing, but not where the transgression is accepted and the perpetrator protected. That is not a healthy community, that is not a place of healing and not a place of compassion.

[@tahwsisiht]

If that is your community and you think it is as it is: until it is your loved one who will suffer. Until it is your child, beloved (if you really love them) friend or yourself. You put others in danger if you support no consequences. That is why communities always had to protect themselves from perpetrators, because they will negatively effect the whole. It works for material theft and financial harm better. Now it is time to protect our psychological and spiritual health better too. It matters. It makes a big difference in the health of a community and society.

[@tahwsisiht]

21:50 Anger and bitterness can come from the fact that it is acceptable by the community. The people you supposed to live around and with don't care. Not necessarily the perpetrator but the uncompassionate community towards the damages, pain and suffering you went through. The community who supports and hides abuse because they choose the easy way, the way of ignorance. In this case, it is better to find the right community. A community who cares. A community where vulnerable people are protected. Where even the powerful have consequences and nobody is looked as objects.

[@tahwsisiht]

24:07 True remorse and true repentance is only if neurologically certain circuits are turned on. They are uncomfortable feelings and people shy away from uncomfortable feelings. They will rather use excuses and other psychological tools not to feel the pain of guilt. Once they practice turning off the pain of guilt, to transgress on others becomes easier and easier. They become what they practice: perpetrator without remorse.

[@tahwsisiht]

It has to be the community who stands with the target. A community who takes everybody's need seriously and not just looking to hide perpetrators because they are powerful or because standing up is just too hard, too uncomfortable and standing by is much easier.

[@dinnerwithfranklin2451]

You do important work. Thank you.

[@fenixgirl9]

In a documentary I watched about a journalist who was investigating a case of supposed fals ereporting of rape, they discovered that the police forces believe that half or more of all reports that are made are false. so from the get go they treat the victim of assault as if they are the criminal, using the interrogation techniques they have learned. so many of the victims then are forced to withdraw that complaint. then these victims are then arrested for filing a false report and are sent to jail. the police do no investigation at all. in one case the rape was committed by someone who th epolice knew would impersonate a police officer and commit assault yet still harrassed the victim.

[@ltrotter636]

So... Leviticus Chapter 18 forbids incest. Regarding forgiveness, while only God can judge a person's heart to determine if there is true contrition, He call "His" people to forgive (release) others because it is God Who avenges. There are other reasons He calls "His" people to forgive the offenses of others... literally all throughout the Bible.

[@nicholasflamelza2673]

Let's also consider the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians Ch.5, verse 1-2, Paul rebukes the tolerance of a man who "has his father's wife," and states quite clearly that this behavior is, "of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans," (ESV).

[@matthewkopp2391]

3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him.” Luke 17 It is not an advocacy for naive forgiveness. If someone is just going to violate you rebuke him. If they are earnestly trying not to, then forgive them. As far as ultimate judgment no human has that privilege.

[@nicholasflamelza2673]

@@matthewkopp2391 Agreed. My point is that Chris Hedges says around 24:20 that incest is not condemned in the Bible. It is condemned.

[@RM-ti8nf]

This was great - validating and eye opening too

[@bellakrinkle9381]

I agree with this hypothesis, however, I see two significant problems to tackle first. 1) The US population does not accept psychiatry or psychology as a path to mental health. Although many folks are turning away from religion, they still shun psychology for improving their lives. Many still choose Christianity. After having been raised in a fundamental Christian family, I discovered prayer did not improve my life and subsequently left the church -- perhaps Christianity can help children allay their dread and fears, and there may be a place for the church to offer hope to those who are unable to work toward self improvement. Healthier friends of mine were not raised with Christianity. I turned to psychology in my early 20s. 2.) Another significant issue is that as human beings we all have rights. However, the internet seems to address everyone as if we are all the same. Unfortunately, we are not. Some folks are more stable than others, some are smarter than others, etc. Yet, we are are addressed as the same.Our differences is the reality. Even levels of abuses vary. Somehow, these realities must be addressed so that appropriate learning can be implemented to save time and money. These are the hard realities of society that must be addressed. Admittedly, LIFE IS NOT FAIR. Yet, we must do better.

[@carolorber6009]

Such a meaningful, important , discussion about the long and continued secrets in our society and culture. Thank you both.

[@mikeharvey9811]

Love the music. Thanks. Barb

[@Guitarpima]

28:17 if all the necessities of life were freely available, Housing, food, clothing, electricity, and all the rest of common services, would women want to be a sex worker? it is interesting that with all the technical advances our species has made over the years, we still do not know how to behave.

[@vystopian8492]

09:00 _"How many beers did she have? Why did she accept a ride home?"_ Infuriating, dishonest and contradictory. . . When you understand how predatory this system is, as the headline to this video suggests, these are VERY valid questions and do NOT imply, in any way, that the victim is responsible. Rather, they reflect the extreme conditions of the culture at large. Ironically, shaming people for asking these questions from this perspective is exactly why we're so often unprepared for reality.

[@beckfordritchie6285]

I'm surprised anyone can say that (interpersonal) forgiveness is not in the Bible. What then are kindness and mercy and meekness and humility, what then is the guidance not to bear grudges? What then are the words in the Lord's Prayer, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive..."? The spirit of forgiveness is implied in so many instances, in the parables, in Proverbs and so on. And then there is experience of so many people who have learned that forgiveness restores connection...regardless of what is in the Bible, whether that reconnection is with the offender or not, it at least forges reconnection with oneself.

[@matthewkopp2391]

The Bible does not advocate for naive forgiveness. It advocates for forgiveness for those who earnestly attempt to do better and who ask for it in earnestness. It actually say reject those who sin and don’t repent and don’t ask for forgiveness. This does not mean hold a grudge or be vindictive or harm them. Luke 17:3 (look it up) People who are being abused from someone who is unrepentant should end those relationships. If they honestly admit wrong, and are earnestly trying to change forgive. But even there it doesn’t advise allowing the abuse to continue. A person has a right to protect themselves even from those that try to do better. So in that case I will forgive but I might want to live elsewhere.

[@aptorres01]

Great work guys

[@susanmercurio1060]

21:15 I spontaneously forgave my abusive mother when she finally came to genuine contrition and apologized. All I ever wanted from her was that she loved me.

[@mnjraman]

For rebuilding of society to take place effectively requires that we - individually & collectively - have to seriously recognize the need for relying on the value of values that our ancestors taught us. They looked into the teachings of spiritual leaders like Aristotle, Krishna, Buddha and Confucius and applied them in their personal conduct. AND when the society is reminded of the value of values during the weekly get togethers at the respective spiritual centers, the citizenry which is basically of divine nature, would mull over the teachings AND try to live by the teachings. The loss or reduction of serious spiritual practitioners in communities will make the rebuilding of society either extremely difficult or impossible. I tend to think the latter because of the irreversible materialistic outlook of societies everywhere with practically no time for spiritual quest!

[@tonytackett2885]

The abused child caries with them , the wisdom gained threw recovery. This wisdom plays a large roll in future abuse's coming from the ignorant leader's , supervisors , authority figures and general society . This abuse goes unnoticed by the eyes that look apon it . What victim hood could do to the vicim is to give them a magnetized view of the direct connections between the smallest of sins and the most brutal of them. Using the brutal to pacify the very thing's leading up to it , as they clear the path for the brutal too occur. A victim learns how the answer to the biggest problems are found in the solutions to the smallest one's.

[@paulgovan3507]

We the People must be FINANCIALLY compensated for the disastrous economic consequences of our mis-leaders' perpetual warmongering. We don't need psychiatrists to state the obvious - we demand substantial financial compensation. Paul G

[@robertmurdock8164]

I hear so many people talk about forgiveness but I’m at a loss to figure out what they mean What’s done is done and can’t be undone Better to pick yourself up and understand some people lack humanity and accept that fact I try my best to stay away from people who lack any sense of humanity because I’ve got my own problems to deal with

[@sharongillesp]

Does it need to be torn down to be rebuilt?

[@buddygene5918]

Chris - if you read this comment you should have Micha Frazer-Carol on to speak about her book Mad World. I just finished it and it's incredible

[@ywtcc]

In the 60s and 70s society started a shift called the sexual revolution. The results have been mixed... Despite much crowing to the opposite, America still has sexual freedom metrics similar to a country like South Korea or Japan. Which is to say, it's still a Puritan country. Part of the problem is the political culture around issues of sex is completely toxic, which is why myths still circulate freely in this domain - lack of sensible criticism. The psychology profession has a lot to answer for here, because this is exactly the field that should be a watchdog for a dysfunctional society in this regard.

[@TildaSwintonPlayingThomYorke]

Serious question: How could we enact a Nordic model when there are no social safety nets to protect those who do sex as labor. Often prostitution is a exchange of last resort, and as such I don’t see how making that proposition more difficult and dangerous for either party to the transaction helps. It just sounds like a way to keep a prostitution black market alive to evade punitive measures. Wouldn’t the first recommendation be maybe to try and end poverty? Or at the very least mandate robust social services for people engaged in sex as a form of labor, otherwise I don’t see the Nordic model having much success in a neoliberal political economy in an advanced state of dismantled social welfare.

[@1848revolt]

Psychiatrists are who ruined society. Thanks, Sigmund Freud and your nephew Edward Bernys.

[@samuelrosander1048]

"Only God had the grace to forgive." What is "grace?" According to common interpretations it's "undeserved favor." She's saying that only God has the "undeserved favor" to forgive. Interpreting it from Hebrew it can mean any of "elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion or action, mercy; clemency; pardon," but still not express the full meaning of the Hebrew term. She's saying that only God has the "elegance, manner, or mercy" to forgive. Coded language like "grace" and "glory" are part of why I can't take religious people seriously. You don't really know what things mean but you use the terms anyway because that's what everyone else does. Same thing with non-religious people using terms like "honor." What's an "honor killing" except killing someone to protect a reputation (by being a murderer, apparently, which is more "honorable" than being a victim of rape or living your own life your own way)? What is "a great honor" except some vague reference to an increase to reputation and feeling privileged? Coded language breeds ignorance and cultish cultures. (Like a lot of "Marxists" use "dialectical materialism" and "dialectics" so loosely that it is almost meaningless, but they use it to signal their "Marxistness" and "correctness" (if they're a Maoist in particular) because that's "what Marxists say." Because using plain language for the common folk to understand is apparently too difficult or might make things too explicit to explain away...which is why I, as a Marxist, look suspiciously at anyone who uses that and other catch-phrases/words.)

[@unpredictableaxolotl3762]

Nice, I didn't know Chris Hedges was part of this.

[@guillaumekeulen219]

Why i dont hear the word Revenge? As Pastor I hear it all the time in confession s!!!

[@QuixEnd]

Traumas been a part of human existence forever, we're better off in every way except culturally, which is everything. People dont have close communities or families, we believe in nothing meaningful, we're closed off and cold people.

[@louisesumrell6331]

From my own experience, I'm surprised that any rapes are reported. I've certainly never been brave enough to report, just cried on girlfriend's shoulders.

[@jeffheller642]

Dissenting voice: Bunch of nonsense. When you hear helping professionals of whatever stature talk about 'stages' or the need to confess and of relationships run the other way.

[@JohnSmith-vm8rx]

Interesting video title

[@johnstrawb3521]

@The Real News Network We're still waiting for Chris to acknowledge, just once, women's predation---something admitted even by Scientific American in publishing Dr. Lara Stemple's research in 2017, and by Hanna Rosin, founder of Slate XX, in 2014.

[@Frisbieinstein]

It seems to me that psychiatrists prescribe expensive drugs so that patients may adapt themselves to society.

[@frederiquecouture3924]

I was doing Méta exploration and I cannot explore any further because there's an Apocalypse going on...

[@LittleRayOfSnshine69]

"People cannot feel safe alone." That's a downright lie. I only feel safe when I am alone. The only way I've been able to deal with loss has been being alone to think through it and grieve. I think all society's problems come from the inability to truly be alone these days. Too many people asserting their desires and beliefs on others. Individuality and true liberty is disposed of for the sake of simply belonging to a group. "Safety in numbers", they say. Tell that to the Jews. Your "social support" is nothing more than reaffiration of subjugation to a society that couldn't (or wouldn't) even protect the victim to begin with. I'd rather be by myself.

[@robertmurdock8164]

Funny you mention that you feel most safe when alone because I feel the same way In a culture which encourages rugged individualism and self reliance I think being alone is the most adaptive position to be in

[@carlywright5127]

When it all comes down to it, you cannot change the past, or wrack your brain over that which cannot be controlled. I think your body needs rest and to heal, but have a good balanced diet and exercise and other mental stimulation is crucial. Reading, learning and enjoying time with others , somehow. Not to give up on yourself in so many ways, and not wasting life or time vecause of those who are so severely damaged people to harm others. You need and want better.

[@geoffreynhill2833]

Tell the perpetrators to explain the laws they've broken to their victims and a jury. 🤔 (Green Fire UK)

[@evangrey4737]

I was a prostitute living in poverty. Will you interview me?

[@mariq9918]

Judicial*

[@amyvalent-ribot8367]

Forgiveness is overrated.

[@francesbernard2445]

When a woman escapes being victimized the weirdest experience while they are seeking help is when the same crowd that condoned her earlier trauma while regarding her as not having good boundaries while probable having the genetic tendency to become an alcoholic too when hoping to get more welfare money when going through with their pregnancy -- Uses staged occasion for sin for her to escape under a security camera only so the playing superior ones can be virtue signalling one another abput how they can hold their liquor better while being realistic non-judgmental care givers towards her too. Any post secondary school that stages that sort of thing to further exploit a trauma survivor as part of how to train students in care giving career could be sued some day in a class action suit.

[@ewaoconnor7013]

Your take on the Catholic Church seemed more like propaganda than a fair assessment. With over a billion Catholics, there have been abusers, but many Catholics (including priests and nuns) make daily sacrifices to assist others. As a child abuse survivor placed in a nun-run orphanage, I saw a mix of good and unsuitable nuns. Despite the negative aspects, these nuns played a role in significantly improving my life.

[@user-wm1nn2mu2b]

Behind the ritual

[@Yahoo947]

Please please please please tell me/us about the 72 hr. Pink Slip Hold. And The Ohio Civil Commitment 5150/5120 Holds and privatization of hospitals in Ohio!

[@lw775]

please comment readers study Victim Heirarchy as it is taught in law and law enforcement. That determines who is a victim and who is less than human. It is a very biased and accepted training despite being written in the mid 1900s 1941 maybe 1944. Around minute 8.5 she begins describing it as it is written but she doesnt name it. We need to name it and focus on revising the training going forward. RAISE THE STANDARD

[@Juan-ud3if]

🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋

[@asnark7115]

Political terror? There has been progressively less violence in the US as time has moved on. Whatever problems we have today are the result of any kind of coping and socialization methods being spectacularly eroded by lyfestyles, pharma and processed foods. Those no doubt also contribute to the crazed and delusional outlooks of the violent among us. And if you want to talk about JUSTICE for those of us harmed physiologically and psychologically and the sense of frustration at the lack of it, then you would have to have the media and regulators square in your view.

[@matthewkopp2391]

The Bible actually advocates that you should not forgive others unless they rebuke their sin genuinely. (Luke17) Most abusers don’t ask, some are unconscious, some aren’t interesting in doing better. So there is no genuine relationship. blind forgiveness by some churches is against the gospel. I am like Chris, the Bible does not cover everything, and it is a guide towards possible wisdom not the final word on the human condition. But, this is the flaw of Christianity today. The liberal churches tend to be naive. The conservative churches completely judgemental and toxic and illiterate.

[@rbj5767]

❣️🙏🌈👑🌎🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲💔💔💔💔💔💔💢👄💢🙏🐦🍃🍃🍃

[@azsunburns]

Because it will end up different next time? Yea. Ok.

[@jamesigo6324]

Trump is a con psycho crime thriller case as seen in the 1990's crime thriller, The silence of the Lambs. " have the lambs stopped screaming " is a conclusion of the story leaving the viewer to think what is gonna happen ahead.

[@AwakenedAvocado]

Trump? Is orange man bad living rent free in your head?

[@sondra6674]

Our responsibility to forgive others IS in the bible. Matthew 6: 12-14 "... forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us" ... JESUS said these words to teach us how to pray to God. My interpretation: I put things in God's hands. If God wants Jeffrey Epstein in heaven, it's ok with me. I'm guessing he'll need to do some transformational work. I'm not perfect either and will likely need some improvement work too. Jesus' sacrifice was for saving ALL souls. Who am I to limit Jesus' gift? I want in. I have to forgive in the same way I want to be forgiven. I don't have the burden of making who's in/out judgements. I let it go, spiritually. While on this earth, Epstein is rightly judged in a court of law and imprisoned. And I'm ok with that too. In my mind, just, earthly consequences are not the same as spiritual forgiveness.

[@GrandmaCathy]

Actually, if you interpret the original correctly, it’s forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. But, that is cryptic at best to modern people. So, we prefer trespasses. It makes more sense to us.

[@matthewkopp2391]

@@GrandmaCathyThe origin of the difference: the English Protestants preferred trespasses because of property rights issues. The Calvinist preferred debts because of unfair usury laws.

[@GrandmaCathy]

@@matthewkopp2391 Interesting. Thank you.

[@magicsinglez]

Justice. Great. We need 10 million people in prison.

[@GrandmaCathy]

No, just the murderers, thieves, and rapists. Put the druggies in hospitals, not prisons. They are curable. Criminals are not.