In a fruitful initiative the pseudonymous collective known as “Social Architects” (SA) interviewed a few former female Tiger fighters who are residing in the northern Vanni districts. Their life-world is apparently oppressive and mentally traumatic. In interweaving their distressing stories while maintaining their anonymity, the SA presented a video documentary in Groundviews on 27th May 2013 which brought to light a strand of existence in the Tamil population affected by the war that is little known within mainstream circles.
In listening to their distressing tales I was struck by the similarity in style of expression with the Sinhala tele-dramas that I have occasionally witnessed — where a grieving mother or wife laments over the actions of some kin (often male). That is, there seem to be cross-ethnic similarities in style of “sob-story”. But that is a mere aside that is of limited significance. What matters more is the depth of grief that SA have brought to light
That is why I asked some scholars with experience in working/researching in Tamil areas to comment on “Haunted by Her Yesterdays.” These comments are presented here under pseudonyms that protect their identity.
Readers are advised to absorb “Haunted by Her Yesterdays” [a wonderful title] at https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nSSv9Kk3tkI before studying the comments. Let reflections and debate then continue. Continue reading
