The dollar value for a loss of life: the politics of monetization of the terror disaster in Sara Colangelo’s Worth (2020)

Abstract

The article argues that Sara Colangelo’s Worth (2020) problematizes the monetization of the terror disaster. It explores the hegemonic politics involved in terming some lives more (un)grievable in monetary terms. The film highlights that the loss of lives and bodily injuries in a terror disaster cannot be converted into tangible monetary value. Instead, it emphasizes that all lives are equally grievable irrespective of their economic loss value. There needs to be democratic mourning that grieves the loss of all lives equally. The article draws on the works of trauma and memory studies theorists to analyze the primary data. The paper explores the social and economic aspects of trauma and the psychological perspective. It argues that mourning requires a democratic approach, particularly one that acknowledges and laments the loss of every life with equal weight. Worth exposes the inequitable treatment of victims and questions the underlying power dynamics in society by questioning the monetization of terrorist events. In the end, this paper promotes a more open-minded and sympathetic attitude to collective and individual trauma and raises an understanding of the intricate and multifaceted nature of mourning.