Vicarious Shame, Narrative, Social Reconnection and Public Recognition in Bamporiki’s Sin to Them, Shame on Me

Authors

Rangira Béa Gallimore, University of Missouri, Columbia

Abstract

Sin to Them, Shame on Me is a testimony by the Rwandan writer, filmmaker and peace advocate, Bamporiki, who suffers from vicarious shame because of the crime of genocide that Hutu perpetrators committed against Tutsis in the name of the group. His testimony redeems his sense of self by acknowledging the wrongdoing of his group, yet it also represents a step that separates him from that group. His powerful testimonial narratives allow him to associate with genocide survivors and the world, and to develop a new identity as a Rwandan. The polymorphic narrative structure of his written testimony in which the oral testimony is embedded, also allows to redefine himself and others.

Recommended Citation

Gallimore, Rangira Béa (2015) "Vicarious Shame, Narrative, Social Reconnection and Public Recognition in Bamporiki’s Sin to Them, Shame on Me," Présence Francophone: Revue internationale de langue et de littérature: Vol. 85: No. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://crossworks.holycross.edu/pf/vol85/iss1/8