Who's That Guy?
I should first explain what an eponym is then begin this short blog from there. But knowing me as you do there will be a psychological twist in here somewhere.
An eponym is: a person after whom a discovery, invention, place, etc., is named or thought to be named.
Would you say that you knew where or how the now popular phrase ‘Guy’ used for all people originates?
It surprised me when Helen Zaltzman and Roman Mars from 99% Percent Invisible discussed the infamous failed terrorist plot to blow up the houses of parliament.
Listening to Helen discuss with delight how the plotters of the foiled assassination and overthrow of the government attempt were hung drawn and quartered reminded me of what @resmaamenakem highlights in his work. How those fleeing the Old world for the “New” including the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, held centuries old terror in their bodies (epigenetically) and discharged that terror onto and into inhabitants of the people they met on these continents.
My point that I couldn't quite escape from was, how?all?bodies are carrying centuries old terror which causes us to act in ways that surprise and upset our sense of ourselves. What struck me about the episode of The Allusionist was the sense of objective distance and glee that the hosts discussed the torture of the captured plotters. There was almost a sense of voyeurism about the torture experienced by others. Inflicting harm also changes in incalculable ways the bodies and minds of those who watch or are the ones who torture.
My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem, The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and It's Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs Hendel are three super books to begin acknowledging and processing what lies beneath.
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I am always interested in to know your thoughts are to the above short piece. Comment below.
The Allusionist Podcast?Allusionist 65. Eponyms III: Who's That Guy? — The Allusionist
Psychology Today reviews?My Grandmother’s Hands | Psychology Today Canada
Photo by?Oladimeji Odunsi?on?Unsplash
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