SEARCH Journal

Finding truth in the emotions: class, tradition, and human sexuality

My wife recently accused me of being emotionally repressed. When I protested she asked me what emotion I was currently experiencing. I told her that our conversation had made me feel “funny”. “Funny” she informed me, is not an emotion. Of course she’s correct, “funny” is not an emotion. Her cutting but generously intended observation forced me to consider my own relationship with the emotional or affective sphere. Our daughter is currently being introduced to an emotions chart. When I was small the only emotions I articulated were “happy”, “sad”, and possibly “hungry” (which I’ve also been informed isn’t an emotion).

* Full article available in printed copies.

Rob Clement

Intern deacon at Rathfarnham, Dublin, has been involved in the area of social inclusion, in the drug and homeless sector in Dublin, and in adult education in Seattle. He also served as a youth and community worker in Belfast.