Doctor Alex Lickerman examines why individuals and societies feel the need to balance the scales.
Category Archives: Seeking Justice, Seeking Peace
A ruthless defender of apartheid now seeks forgiveness
In this PBS NewsHour report, a prominent former apartheid leader in South Africa explains why he seeks forgiveness and reconciliation.
Anti-violence programs shut down as Chicago shootings climb
Read why CeaseFire, the organization featured in the 2011 documentary The Interrupters, has stopped receiving funding from the Illinois legislature and about the effects that has had.
Conflict resolution: Wars without end
Learn how researchers are using data and systems analysis to attempt to resolve intractable conflicts.
A Wild, ‘Burning’ Journey Back To Old Mexico
Author Oscar Casares reviews the work of Juan Rulfo, who covered themes of violence and how it affected the behaviors of individuals in his writing. An excerpt from Rulfo’s The Burning Plain and Other Stories is included.
Revenge and the people who seek it
Psychologists study what leads people to seek revenge and how they feel after undertaking vengeful acts.
‘Map: Collected and Last Poems,’ by Wislawa Szymborska
Read this review of a recent collection of poetry by Wislawa Szymborska.
Kenya’s running champions walk 800km to break ‘cycle of violence’
In an effort to end raids in which pastoralists kill people and steal livestock, top Kenyan athletes plan to undertake a three-week walk for peace. Funds raised will go toward peace-building programs for youth.
Surprising responses to Hamlet Africa tour
Researchers record the reactions of audiences in Africa to a production of Hamlet by a Shakespeare Globe theater troupe.
4 Bloody Family Feuds in American History
History is full of family feuds that have led to acts of revenge ranging from lawsuits to murder.
Iraq’s Cycles of Revenge
In this opinion piece, the editorial board of The New York Times argues that progress in Iraq has been interrupted by cycles of revenge between sects.
Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation
Psychologist Ryan Howes explains that forgiveness is a singular act, while reconciliation is an interpersonal process.
Humans are wired for prejudice but that doesn’t have to be the end of the story
In this article, neuroscientist Caitlin Millett explains how reactions in people’s brains affect their prejudices, and she calls on society to use the information learned from on-going research to end social injustices and conflicts.
Interview: Alex Kotlowitz
Journalist Alex Kotlowitz has spent his career reporting on violence in Chicago. In this article he reflects on his 20-year career and gives advice on what he thinks can alleviate the city’s issues.
Rwanda: Has reconciliation by legal means worked?
In 1994, a genocide in Rwanda left hundreds of thousands of people dead. Twenty years later, the effectiveness of the courts meant to bring the perpetrators to justice is being called into question.
7 Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based on Shakespeare’s Plays
Shakespeare’s work has influenced countless interpretations on big screen. Take a look at these films based on Shakespearean plays—are you surprised?
Letting it go: Take responsibility, make amends, forgive yourself
A recent study by Baylor University psychology researchers shows that people are more likely to forgive themselves if they gain forgiveness from the people they wronged.
Art in the aftermath: healing the victims of trafficking and slavery
For many victims of human trafficking and slavery, art can be an important part of the healing process. In this article, we learn about why art matters and how it can help.
A modern take on the timeless tragedy of ‘Hamlet’
PCPA, a professional theater in California, is putting on a version of Hamlet in an attempt to make the play as accessible as possible to modern audiences. Check out this review of the work.
Revenge: Will You Feel Better?
What causes a person to seek revenge? Does revenge actually make the person feel better? Check out this article to learn about the psychology behind revenge.