“In recognising the body’s inherent vulnerability, we must account for the ethical implications of touch, as it holds the power to harm or heal.“
– Judith Butler (born February 24, 1956), a distinguished American feminist philosopher and gender studies scholar whose impactful work has shaped political philosophy, ethics, and the realms of third-wave feminism, queer theory, and literary theory.
HELLO, dear readers! I hope you’re all doing well. Last week, we dove into the fascinating world of adaptive senses in the animal kingdom, where we marvelled at how creatures have evolved unique ways to perceive their environments.
Today, however, we turn our attention to a more sombre topic – something that often hides in the shadows of our interactions with one another and with the world around us: the dark side of touch.
Touch is one of the most profound senses that we possess. Touch is one of our most fundamental senses; it establishes connections, fosters trust, and brings comfort.
It is truly foundational to our existence, bridging the gap between the physical and emotional realms of our lives.
Yet, conversely, the dark side of touch presents a deeply unsettling reality. The potential for harm, physically, emotionally, and psychologically, wraps itself around the essence of our existence.
In this exploration, we’ll dive into the multifaceted nature of touch, exploring how it is not merely a means of connection but a potential vehicle for pain and suffering.
In an ideal world, touch is synonymous with comfort and connection; it is a gentle caress, a reassuring hug, or a loving tap on the back.
However, the reality is that touch can also be laden with consequences – some intended, some not.
Let us take a moment to reflect on this complex tapestry of touch as we begin to uncover the repercussions it holds for both humans and animals.
To set the stage for our discussion, let’s consider a simple question: Why does touch carry so much power
Studies reveal that touch activates brain areas associated with emotions, providing a surge of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”. In humans, this foster bonding and trust.
Yet, like any potent tool, touch can be twisted into a weapon of harm, whether through the actions of individuals or societal constructs.
Consider this: we are creatures of sensation, wired to respond instinctively to touch. From the first moment we emerge, our skin is our contact point with life. This remarkable organ allows us to experience warmth, tenderness, roughness, and pain.
Yet, each touch feels different; it can evoke a diverse range of emotions. A hug may elicit joy, while a violent shove may call forth fear and anxiety.
The late psychologist and neuroscientist David Linden, in his book ‘T’ouch’, emphasises that our tactile experiences create a spectrum of emotional responses tied directly to our interactions with our environment.
Think of intimate relationships. While they can be spaces of warmth and safety, they can also harbour deep-seated issues that turn a gentle caress into a source of pain.
Domestic abuse is a heartbreaking reality for countless individuals.
Here, touch transforms from a means of love into an instrument of control and violence.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 1 in 3 women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. It’s a haunting statistic that reminds us of how quickly the act of touching can fracture into an experience laden with fear and trauma.
Now shift gears to the animal kingdom – our planet’s myriad inhabitants, compromised by human touch. As humans reach out to connect, sometimes we cause irreparable harm to other living beings.
Petting a dog, breathing in the fur’s scent, can seem innocent, yet when invasive petting becomes more about our comfort than the animal’s well-being, it can lead to distress or anxiety for the creature.
A Pew Research study found that 70 per cent of pet owners believe their pets feel emotions similar to humans. If true, we need to heed the emotional ramifications of our interactions with them.
Moreover, consider animal testing- another sombre aspect of the dark side of touch. In the relentless pursuit of research, countless animals are subjected to procedures that cascade into pain and suffering.
The rationale is often rooted in human benefit, yet the touch meant to aid can bring torment. As we develop biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, can we ethically justify the suffering inflicted?
The cruelty of such practices challenges our moral compass, asking: Does our desire to innovate allow us to sideline the rights of other sentient beings?
Furthermore, even in seemingly harmless interactions, like touching wildlife for photographs or selfies, we risk disrupting their natural behaviours and habitats.
A study published in the journal ‘Biological Conservation’ highlighted how human touch can lead to stress responses in animals, affecting their well-being and even survival rates. Our well-meaning touch can escalate into situations where we unintentionally hurt the very beings we wish to admire.
The essence of touch is layered with intention, understanding, and sensitivity. As our society grapples with the complexities surrounding consent in human interactions, we can draw parallels to broader conversations about interaction with all living beings.
We live in an age where awareness is slowly shifting, urging us to re-evaluate our touch, not just with those we love, but with all creatures who share our burdened planet.
We might even find ourselves pondering the philosophical implications of our interactions.
The philosopher Martin Buber emphasised the “I-Thou” relationship as one where genuine understanding and respect are at the core. When it comes to touch, are we embracing an “I-It” attitude where beings are merely objects to be used for our enjoyment?
When we let our touch be an echo of awareness, we start to shift our perspective. Touch can become a mode of communion, not just with fellow humans, but with every creature on Earth.
So, how can we use touch as a force for good rather than a vehicle of suffering? It begins with education and empathy. We must strive to become attuned to the needs and feelings of others, be they people or animals.
When we open our hearts to empathy, our touch can turn from a potentially harmful experience into a profound connection. For instance, gentle touch in caregiving scenarios has been shown to improve the emotional well-being of patients in healthcare settings. If our touch can nurture and heal, let us decide to make that our priority.
In conclusion, the narrative of touch is woven with both light and darkness. It holds the potential for our most beautiful connections while carrying the weight of pain and harm.
As we continue to explore the depth of our connections, let us remain acutely aware of how our touch- and the intentions behind it – ripple beyond ourselves.
Let’s embrace the call to compassion in a world that often feels cold and detached, making our shared existence warmer through intentional and respectful touch.
In this exploration, may we learn to caress life gently, with the awareness that our hands carry not just our hopes, but the burdens of others as well.
Thank you for accompanying me on this contemplative and compassion-filled journey.
Next week, we’ll dive into the exciting and sometimes controversial world of technological advancements aimed at enhancing our physical senses.
From innovative wearable devices to virtual reality experiences, the potential to deepen our interaction with the world is limitless.
I’m thrilled to learn more about how these innovations can transform our everyday experiences while keeping in mind the ethical considerations that come with them.
As we embark on this exploration, I wish for us to always approach these advancements with curiosity and caution, as the philosopher Albert Schweitzer once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show kindness and compassion to those who need it.”
Let’s keep that in mind as we move forward!
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
