All to often, suffering exists in a realm beyond vocabulary so we navigate that realm awkwardly, fumbling for the right words, hoping we can somehow approximate an understanding of matters that should never have to be understood by anyone in any place in the world.
In her book "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay addresses the complex nature of suffering and the challenges of articulating it. She suggests that much suffering occurs beyond the limits of language, making it difficult to convey the depth of such experiences. This lack of vocabulary leads to awkward attempts at communication, as individuals search for the right words to express feelings that are often too profound for language to capture.
Gay emphasizes that certain matters of suffering are so intense that they should not be comprehended by anyone at all. Her insights encourage a deeper understanding of pain and the limitations of expressing trauma, highlighting the importance of empathy in conversations about suffering. By acknowledging these challenges, Gay invites readers to reflect on their experiences and the shared struggle for understanding in a world filled with unspoken pain.
