Very interesting discussion Selda. For me, what trigger warnings offer is choice, which is particularly important to trauma survivors. So even though someone may still choose to engage, they have opted in rather than being ambushed.
On a personal note, when I was going through infertility I really appreciated when friends would warn me that a movie or a book etc. might ambush me with a 'miracle baby happy ending'. It gave me the opportunity to choose whether I was up for encountering that on any given day.
This was a really interesting read, thank you. I have always felt slightly uncomfortable with trigger warnings, but never quite sure why, because they seem logical and often a kind gesture for those who may be more vulnerable. Something for us to hold awareness of, and look into more!
Well, I live in Turkey and my professors never used any trigger warnings in their classes. I know such warnings from movies only. I think they might be useful for some people as you said but it might also be annoying for others - like the anticipatory anxiety you mentioned.
That's interesting, thanks for sharing it. Do you think it's the case across the country? I'm not sure if it's entirely a cultural thing as there are many lecturers in the US or the UK who don't use trigger warnings.
I like your nuanced approach, because yes I agree that research has consistent findings but there are also people who might benefit from trigger warnings. I would also be curious to know how different cultures approach to this. Thank you for the comprehensive review and sharing your own arguments.
Very interesting discussion Selda. For me, what trigger warnings offer is choice, which is particularly important to trauma survivors. So even though someone may still choose to engage, they have opted in rather than being ambushed.
On a personal note, when I was going through infertility I really appreciated when friends would warn me that a movie or a book etc. might ambush me with a 'miracle baby happy ending'. It gave me the opportunity to choose whether I was up for encountering that on any given day.
I love your nuanced exploration here, thank you.
Thanks for sharing your own experience, Vicki. It makes a lot of sense. I love your framing: choice.
This was a really interesting read, thank you. I have always felt slightly uncomfortable with trigger warnings, but never quite sure why, because they seem logical and often a kind gesture for those who may be more vulnerable. Something for us to hold awareness of, and look into more!
Thank you so much for this in depth essay. Very helpful. I greatly appreciate all the nuances you get into.
Thank you!
Well, I live in Turkey and my professors never used any trigger warnings in their classes. I know such warnings from movies only. I think they might be useful for some people as you said but it might also be annoying for others - like the anticipatory anxiety you mentioned.
That's interesting, thanks for sharing it. Do you think it's the case across the country? I'm not sure if it's entirely a cultural thing as there are many lecturers in the US or the UK who don't use trigger warnings.
I like your nuanced approach, because yes I agree that research has consistent findings but there are also people who might benefit from trigger warnings. I would also be curious to know how different cultures approach to this. Thank you for the comprehensive review and sharing your own arguments.
Unfortunately, most research has been done in Western cultures. I'm curious about it too. Thanks, Lila!