Conclusion

Abstract

In this book, I have tried to expose the limitations and blind spots that I think trauma theory will need to confront if it is to deliver on its promise of cross-cultural ethical engagement. To some extent, this is already happening. Though in the early stages of its development trauma theory focused predominantly on the Holocaust, in recent years the field has begun to diversify. It now also includes a still relatively small but significant amount of work addressing other kinds of traumatic experiences, such as those associated with not only 9/11 but also slavery, colonialism, apartheid, Partition, and the Stolen Generations. Moreover, there is a growing number of publications that adopt a cross-cultural comparative perspective.¹ No doubt, much work remains to be done, especially, I think, regarding the conceptual and aesthetic issues that I have identified. However, these are hopeful signs, at least, that trauma theory is not irredeemably tainted with Eurocentric bias but can indeed stay relevant in the globalized world of the twenty-first century.