A Girl Who Couldn't Draw Home
The article reflects on a photograph of a young girl named Tereska, taken in 1948, who could not draw a representation of 'home' due to her traumatic experiences during World War II. It discusses the long-lasting effects of unprocessed trauma on children and how it can ripple through generations. The piece warns of the cyclical nature of trauma and its potential to justify harmful actions in the future if not addressed.
- ▪Tereska was born in Warsaw in 1940 and experienced severe trauma during the war, including the loss of her home and family.
- ▪Her drawing on the blackboard, filled with chaotic lines, symbolized her inability to comprehend the concept of 'home' due to her traumatic past.
- ▪The article highlights the lack of recognition and treatment for PTSD in children after the war, leading to unhealed trauma that affects future generations.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Girl Who Couldn't Draw HomeGail Weiner3 days ago4 min readI was scrolling through my feed when a photograph stopped me cold.A young girl, maybe seven or eight, standing in front of a blackboard. Warsaw, 1948. The photographer was David "Chim" Seymour, sent by UNICEF to document the aftermath of war on Europe's children. The girl's name was Tereska. She was in a school for disturbed and war-traumatised children, and someone had asked her to draw "home."What she drew wasn't a house.No door. No windows. No chimney with a little curl of smoke. Not the kind of picture a child draws when they know what safety feels like. Instead, she drew these wild, chaotic lines.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Gail Weiner.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Gail Weiner
