Tragedy? When humanitarian language becomes oppressive | Rethinking Humanitarianism
An episode of the The New Humanitarian podcast, hosted by The New Humanitarian, titled "Tragedy? When humanitarian language becomes oppressive | Rethinking Humanitarianism" was published on March 12, 2026 and runs 29 minutes.
March 12, 2026 ·29m · The New Humanitarian
Episode Description
Is it problematic to call human suffering a "tragedy"? Even well-intentioned humanitarian language can harm, says Heidi Mogstad, senior researcher at the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway. She argues that the language humanitarians use can perpetuate systems of violence that cause crises. In this episode, Mogstad gives examples of counter-productive language, and discusses ways to improve.
Guests:
Heidi Mogstad, senior researcher at the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway.
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Show Notes:
Oppressive Language and Humanitarian Complicity: Reflections on Gaza and European Border Violence
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