The Greengrocer and Compassion in Time of War. Issue 2 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pontuso, James F.
• Other Names: Krapfl James guest-editor.; Falk Barbara J. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: East European politics and societies. Volume 32:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 314
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Václav Havel -- compassion -- Iraq -- post-tyrannical students; Europe, Eastern -- Politics and government -- 1945-1989 -- Periodicals; Europe, Eastern -- Politics and government -- 1989- -- Periodicals; Europe, Eastern -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 947.0005
• DOI: 10.1177/0888325417742489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0888-3254

Abstract

This is a personal reflection on the effects of The Power of the Powerless on students living in post-tyrannical societies—the Czech Republic in 1993 and Iraq in 2010. Czech students read the essay as an indictment of Marxist ideology, one-party rule, bureaucratic stagnation, and their former educational system. Havel was a symbol of resistance, human rights, and courage. Iraqi students found a different lesson. The Power of the Powerless does not excuse tyranny, but it does explain the way people trying to live a normal life rationalize their compliance with repression. Havel's essay made Iraqi students comprehend how complicated choices are under difficult circumstances. Perhaps, as its author intended, the essay proved upon reflection to be a source of compassion.