News
October 02, 2025
Selective empathy and the weaponisation of trauma
'Nothing prepared me for being accused of causing harm by wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh at a queer displacement conference', writesAisya Zaharin.FOR MANY OF US, thekeffiyehis a symbol of resistance, a thread in a global fabric of solidarity against Israeli oppression. Yet for some Iranians, that same scarf sparked anguish; they claimed it was the banner of the regimes militias, the Islamic Revo
Selective empathy and the weaponisation of trauma
Aisya Zaharin's experience at a recent queer displacement conference highlights a complex and often painful reality: the selective application of empathy and the weaponization of trauma in politically charged environments. Zaharin, writing about her experience, recounts the unexpected backlash she faced for wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh. For many, the keffiyeh is a potent symbol of resistance, deeply interwoven with the global struggle against Israeli oppression and a visual representation of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
However, at the conference, the very scarf intended as a gesture of support triggered a wave of anguish from some Iranian attendees. Their reaction stemmed from the keffiyeh's association with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military arm of the Iranian regime, known for its brutal suppression of dissent and human rights abuses. For these individuals, the keffiyeh was not a symbol of Palestinian liberation, but a painful reminder of the oppressive forces that had forced them to flee their homeland.
Zaharin's experience underscores the delicate balance between expressing solidarity and being mindful of the diverse and often conflicting experiences of marginalized communities. While the keffiyeh can represent solidarity for one group, it can simultaneously evoke trauma and represent oppression for another. This highlights the challenges of navigating complex political landscapes, particularly within spaces designed to foster empathy and understanding.
The incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of individuals and organizations in creating inclusive environments. How do we ensure that expressions of solidarity do not inadvertently cause harm to other marginalized groups? How can we foster dialogue and understanding across different experiences of trauma and oppression? Zaharin's account serves as a crucial reminder that empathy must be applied thoughtfully and comprehensively, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of identity and the diverse interpretations of symbols and gestures across different cultural and political contexts. The weaponization of trauma, even unintentionally, can undermine the very foundation of solidarity and create further divisions within already vulnerable communities.
Aisya Zaharin's experience at a recent queer displacement conference highlights a complex and often painful reality: the selective application of empathy and the weaponization of trauma in politically charged environments. Zaharin, writing about her experience, recounts the unexpected backlash she faced for wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh. For many, the keffiyeh is a potent symbol of resistance, deeply interwoven with the global struggle against Israeli oppression and a visual representation of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
However, at the conference, the very scarf intended as a gesture of support triggered a wave of anguish from some Iranian attendees. Their reaction stemmed from the keffiyeh's association with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military arm of the Iranian regime, known for its brutal suppression of dissent and human rights abuses. For these individuals, the keffiyeh was not a symbol of Palestinian liberation, but a painful reminder of the oppressive forces that had forced them to flee their homeland.
Zaharin's experience underscores the delicate balance between expressing solidarity and being mindful of the diverse and often conflicting experiences of marginalized communities. While the keffiyeh can represent solidarity for one group, it can simultaneously evoke trauma and represent oppression for another. This highlights the challenges of navigating complex political landscapes, particularly within spaces designed to foster empathy and understanding.
The incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of individuals and organizations in creating inclusive environments. How do we ensure that expressions of solidarity do not inadvertently cause harm to other marginalized groups? How can we foster dialogue and understanding across different experiences of trauma and oppression? Zaharin's account serves as a crucial reminder that empathy must be applied thoughtfully and comprehensively, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of identity and the diverse interpretations of symbols and gestures across different cultural and political contexts. The weaponization of trauma, even unintentionally, can undermine the very foundation of solidarity and create further divisions within already vulnerable communities.
Category:
Politics