Art: a sane response to terrorism and war

After the London bombings, Tony Blair and George Bush invoked an ideological battle against the terrorists. This political response was thrown into sharp relief by the words of a London barrister, survivor of the tube attack. Asked by a reporter what he felt about the perpetrators, he declared “I pity them”. No politics there: just a very personal reaction to having witnessed himself the evil of which humans are capable.

We’ve strayed too far from the personal. That doesn’t mean that politics isn’t valid, and even Derrida doesn’t throw up his hands and walk away from it. But it does mean that politics needs a new framework, or rather a retake on an old one.

For Spender, it had to include some reference to the inner life. For him, the conflict in the 50s between East and West didn’t in itself involve a moral choice. It only became one when it was a matter for individual conscience. (That’s a far cry from the Bush admonition, “You’re either with us or against us”.)

He also saw a distinction between those who care about “long-term values”, and those willing to use any means for political ends - even good ends. In the mid 20th century communism and fascism both failed his test. Islamic fundamentalism is failing it today; maybe too American neo-conservatism.

The personal must inform the political. No preconceived ideas, self-evident truths or ideologies should stand in the way of justice and a sense of shared humanity. Derrida: “We must be dutiful beyond duty, we must go beyond law, tolerance, conditional hospitality, economy …” Leaders must be ready to lose face if necessary. No-one should have to die for the cause.

The pity invoked by the barrister victim wasn’t sympathy for the terrorist, but a recognition of the seriousness of the crime committed and the damage done to a fellow soul. That, rather than ideology, is a legitimate basis for political action.

We must listen to the artists, and philosophers, judges and priests (even if they just despair). The politicians have talked too much.