Feeling political sadness as signs of hope and resistance
by Sasanka Perera (The writer is on X as @sasmester) A few weeks ago, a friend in India wrote to me about Ghazala Jamil’s book, What to Do with Political Sadness and Other Essays on Death, Destruction and Hauntology (2026). It had just been published by New Delhi’s Simon & Schuster India and Yoda Press. […]
In the current political climate, characterized by systemic attrition, state-sanctioned violence, and the erosion of democratic institutions, the concept of political sadness is gaining significance. Ghazala Jamil's book, "What to Do with Political Sadness," offers a thoughtful exploration of this phenomenon. Jamil argues that political sadness is not a personal pathology or a sign of weakness, but rather a rational and ethical response to systemic oppression and violence.
She suggests that this sadness serves as both a means of perseverance and a source of hope, allowing individuals to envision a future despite the constant presence of death, destruction, and dispossession. Jamil's work delves into the mechanics of state violence, examining how physical and institutional mechanisms are used to control and marginalize populations.
She explores the role of bodily dissent and martyrdom, highlighting how extreme forms of political protest can be used to expose the moral bankruptcy of authoritarian regimes. Additionally, Jamil incorporates the concept of hauntology, drawing on Jacques Derrida's ideas to reflect on the persistent presence of unfulfilled post-colonial promises and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
