The essay departs from the Greek word Parrhesia, meaning frank speech practiced in the old Athenian democracy. It was clearly distinguished from rhetoric because the speaker risked his life, putting himself in abrupt danger by telling the truth. However, it can be done in many ways, as language offers infinite possibilities to articulate ourselves; it is not easy to perform and is a demanding and confronting task.

The essay explores the contemporary landscape of telling the truth, looking at the negative peace as the fundamental systemic silencing expected from us in work, school, or in general. Then it points out how injustice is structural, that one person is never enough, so we need each other. There is no change without solidarity. The third section opens up the need for a culture of accountability, where both the victim and the perpetrator have a voice in the transition to justice.

2022   
© Márton Kabai & Natela Lemondzhava