Contribution short abstract:

In this Round-Table discussion I consider the experience of secondary or vicarious trauma in ethnographic writing, particular in fieldsites embroiled in war, political and other forms of violence, and forced migration.

Contribution long abstract:

An abundance of compassion and empathy when writing ethnographies of trauma, violence, war and displacement seems to be an ethical stance. Yet we might ask: can "too much" empathy get ethnographers into trouble? It is not uncommon (though perhaps not readily discussed) for researchers writing on trauma to experience what is known as secondary or vicarious trauma--that is, activation related to prolonged and repeated exposure to disturbing material. In this instance, empathy and compassion can lead to challenges. Yet, here I would like to consider how compassion and empathy also provide a way to work through the experience of vicarious trauma--perhaps in ways that can bring the ethnographic writer closer to the experience of their interlocutors, ultimately being instructive in the writing process.