Hurt: Notes on Torture in a Modern Democracy

by Kristian Williams

A collection of articles and interviews on the history, psychology, and current state of torture in democratic societies, Hurt is a short but hard-hitting look in the mirror for first-world countries. This exposé on the act of torture explores this dark world with essays from authors, anarchists, and many more. While striving to provide the general public with a greater understanding of torture, this resource forces readers to think critically about its current uses and the far-reaching implications of letting it continue unchecked.

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

member of Rose City Copwatch in Portland, Oregon, and of the National Writers Union (UAW Local 1981)

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The slim and portable //Hurt: Notes on Torture in a Modern Democracy// by Kristian Williams feels buoyant in the hand, in contrast to the mind-piercing subject matter. One will not be able to help but react in accord or discord or at least question along with the arguments raised. The material is accessible not just because of brevity but because every part was intended to speak without jargon: the inclusions in //Hurt// range across interviews, essays, speeches, and reviews previously produced by the author with citizen audiences in mind. While they are organized in five sections that address both domestic and international aspects of torture--“Personal Reflections,” “Media Silence and Public Opinion,” “Torture, Democracy, and Inequality,” “Prison Abolition,” and “Conclusions and Synopses”--this book can be opened and read from anywhere and provide material for meditation. It isn’t all doom and damnation, as the book’s conversation showcases people speaking and acting for change to the status quo. //Hurt// is a good publication that not only introduces but invites the reader to a debate on torture and to imagine alternatives.

[wombat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kristian gave me a copy of this book and described it as "the b-sides to American Methods." That's an accurate description. I didn't gain anything from Hurt that I didn't get out of American Methods, but if you're looking for a much quicker read then go for this one. Otherwise, AM has a much more thorough investigation and analysis of torture.