Study for a Meaning to Atomic Bomb Survivors' Silence and Their Resistance

With Reference to J. Butler's Giving an Account of Self

Abstract

Almost Seventy years have passed since the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Lots of atomic bomb survivors have talked about their catastrophic experiences in public but there have also been many of survivors who have kept silent in public about the experience and about their lives afterwards. This article is based on interviews with thirteen survivors. Eight of them have never talked about their experiences in public. Listening closely to their concerns and thoughts, one reason became clear. They have hoped to live with atomic bomb victims. It appears that their silence is the expression of their resistance. Referring to Butler's giving an account of self, this might be able to be called the logic of resistance through silence. The logic of silent resistance is meaningful, because it provides a new perspective for atomic bomb survivors. Their words and attitudes of resistance can contribute to the development of a new theory for peace.