Cursing, the Last Weapon of the Victims! Comparable Illustrations from Tamil Literature and the Bible

Abstract

ABSTRACT Victims cursing the victimisers is a common feature in the practice of the Tamils as evident in literature and films. There are statements about the power of justice and weapons of curse which warn culprits against dangerous consequences for their action. There is a story of a rare woman who by her curse burned an unjust king and his city and she has been deified and made popular. In the Bible as well, there are stories of victims including the Yahweh God and Jesus who pronounced powerful words on the victimiser(s). Their reflection incorporates the nuances, including catharsis and inner healing, instigating the change of heart of the victimisers, self-suffering as expression of compassion and positive action. Suggesting to bring back cursing as an authentic act of the victims, the essay provides a means for challenging the stereotypes of “blessing” and organising collective cursing for international powers that perpetuate poverty and conflict.