Our discussion about trigger warnings this week was insightful and interesting. I had previously thought a fair amount about trigger warnings because they have become a way for people opposing feminism to point to how sensitive and over dramatic feminists are. I believe this stems from a deep ignorance and misunderstanding about what trigger warnings are. I do generally support trigger warnings because it's just a small way to give someone a heads up that something could bring up a hurtful experience.
However, I have considered that there can be some downsides to trigger warnings. In no way is the following an end all for the idea of trigger warnings just a critical thought. "But to conceal the cause of hurt can make others the cause of their hurt" (Ahmed). This quote reflects a misgivings I have about trigger warnings. While, trigger warnings do not necessarily end the discussion, the people who are getting the benefit for trigger warnings are also the ones who have the most stake in the topic and will be able to give valuable information and the topic. In no way should someone be forced to talk about the circumstance that warranted a trigger warning but that person could have a good opportunity to educate others about their experience. I realize that this falls into neoliberalism and putting the responsibility of education on the individual and more specifically the individual who has had the most hurt done to them. But if institutions choose not to educate the "masses" then it does fall on the shoulders of the marginalized to push and insist on change. I still have trouble putting all that responsibility on the people who have been marginalized the most but I feel doubtful the dominant group will ever change their ways without some serious force.
"We have to work and struggle not so much to feel hurt, but to notice what causes hurt, which means unlearning what we have learnt not to notice" (Ahmed). This quote is why trigger warnings are important and useful. Trigger warnings point to 'unlearning what we have learnt not to notice.' By the presence of trigger warnings and people taking note of trigger warnings those that are not impacted may begin to realize that something in that content needs to be taken seriously for what effect it may have on people or what effect is has had.
Many people are critical about trigger warnings but if they are helping someone and not hurting those being critical of them then they are probably not as bad as people say.
A concept that your post reminded me of is the relationship between trigger warnings and normalization. Particularly the quote about “unlearning what we have learnt not to notice.” In class we talked about trigger warnings as a tool to draw attention to subjects that generally go unmentioned. This helps to place concepts such as violence and racism in a sphere that is outside of healthy social interactions. Trigger warnings articulate that these instances are not acceptable, but need to be engaged with in order to unpack their influence. So, not only do trigger warnings provide a signal to survivors to take care of themselves but they also present a benefit to a wider audience by challenging the process of normalization that holds up rape culture.
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