Speaking Out and Breaking the Silence

Abstract

In the present chapter, we examine the decision not to self-censor under circumstances in which self-censorship may be expected, in the unique context of intractable intergroup conflict, but also beyond this reality. To this end, in the next section we describe this unique context, the growing scientific literature on overcoming psychological barriers to conflict resolution, and, with this framework in mind, the role of self-censorship as a self-imposed barrier to conflict resolution. From there we turn to examine how this barrier may be overcome, leading us to our central question: Under what circumstances/conditions do people decide not to self-censor, and instead speak out when they have information that they believe may have negative implications for the group? A review of the relevant literature is followed by a discussion of the different motivations for or against breaking self-censorship, followed by an examination of the process we believe is involved in the decision not to self-censor, and potential interpersonal differences in the likelihood of breaking the silence. Throughout the chapter we provide examples for our claims, drawing from the experience of Israeli Jews in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a focus on the afore-described case of the Israeli organization Breaking the Silence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)