Death and the absence of ritual crying: the control of emotions among Sri Lankan Tamil guerrillas

Abstract

This study examines the control of emotions among Tamil guerrillas in Sri Lanka, particularly focusing on the absence of ritual weeping. The narrative of Jegan, a Tamil Tiger combatant, illustrates the emotional discipline expected of guerrillas, where returning to battle after a personal loss, such as the death of a sibling, is emphasized. The Tamil Tigers' ethos fosters an emotional austerity, severing traditional family ties in favor of camaraderie among fellow fighters. The article discusses how the rhetoric of emotional control, as a key aspect of Tamil Tigers' identity, shapes their behavioral and emotional paradigms, especially among female combatants who adopt an androgynous demeanor. The analysis is based on interviews, publications, and other sources, highlighting the Tamil Tigers' distinct approach to emotional expression within their militaristic and socio-political context.