A History of Force Feeding by Ian Miller

Author:Ian Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Springer International Publishing, Cham

In his mournful letters, Emmanuel portrayed a system of institutional intimidation intent on violently ending his protest. He portrayed force-feeding as a daunting encounter with a vast network of medical, institutional, and military power determined to bring his errant behaviour (or viewpoints) into line by forcing food into his gullet. Emily Lutyens, Lytton’s sister, argued in the Manchester Guardian that ‘apart from the question of humanity, it would seem to be a waste of the manhood of the nation in this time of war to employ six able-bodied men to torture one defenceless man.’ 13 But using military manpower to undermine a protest undertaken by a single individual served symbolic purposes. Exerting power and authority over one conscientious objector allowed the state to make visible its determination to maintain social and institutional order, uphold the authority of its conscription Acts, and deter like-minded individuals from refusing to fight. It set a strong example to others on the need for national solidarity at a time of international crisis.

In February 1918, a friend obtained permission to visit Emmanuel. By this stage, Emmanuel had been force-fed for thirteen months. He reported to the Manchester Guardian that:Ribeiro was forcibly-fed during our visit but we were not allowed to witness the process, although we saw the tube brought in. It was over in a few minutes, and when we returned he was ill and giddy from the effect of the treatment. He was evidently suffering with very strong movements of the heart. He pressed his hand hard on his left breast, seemed pale and exhausted, and for a time could only speak with difficulty … I consider that the condition of Ribeiro is alarming, his health being much worse than when I last saw him. I fear he will die if not quickly liberated.

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