Ceremony of Innocence Tears, Power and Protest [Hardcover]

What use are tears? What is their purpose? In this original and disturbing book, Kay Carmichael argues that we underestimate the importance of this powerful means of communication. Tears are dismissed as a symbol of weakness when we should value them as a source of energy and creativity. In vivid case-histories, based on original research, she shows how, why, when and where human beings cry and the barriers placed in their way.Prologue - Introduction - The Functions of Tears, Weeping and Crying - Boys, Men and Tears - Women and Tears - People, Tears and Institutions - Tears and Grief - Tears and Religion - Tears and Health - The Tears of Existence - Tears, Power and Protest - Conclusions - Epilogue - Index