For Cruelty's Sake: The implications of Artaudian thought for the realization of a justice as love

• In Event: Theoretical Perspectives in Critical Criminology

Abstract

This paper is an exploration of the implications of Artaudian thought with regard to notions of justice and of justice practice. Artaud offers us the idea of a theater of cruelty; not for cruelty's sake, however. Artaud's cruelty is instrumental, purposed and directed by the hope of eradicating cruelty. We will explore the beauty of his reasoning, why it is beautiful, but also explore forensically the debris that remains when we realize the cruelty at work there, too. The ultimate aim of the work, then, is to offer further exploration of thought to aid in the project of realizing a loving justice.

Authors

• Michael John DeValve, Bridgewater State University

• Rachel Johnnie DiMonda, Bridgewater State University