The process of Othering: From social imaginaire to physical acts: an anthropological approach.

Anthonie Holslag

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This article deals with the underlining aspects of Othering within the genocidal process of the Armenian genocide. It will emphasize that Othering is closely related to another process called Selfing, which gives an insight on the genocidal behavior of perpetrators. The article tries to combine these analytical processes with physical actions, and will thereby argue that these physical actions do not stand by themselves, but are indeed cultural expressions of Othering and Selfing; and that these processes are therefore not mere social imagnaire or abstract notions, but physical and thereby observable actions that gives an insight in genocidal intent. These abstract notions or cultural expressions of Othering and Selfing, which by themselves again will be expressed in the enormity of violence and the different dimensions of violence, have the underlining message that one can only solidify a “Self” by destroying the “Other” in all its aspects: cultural, social and physical.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)96
Number of pages114
JournalGenocide Studies and Prevention
Volume9
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The process of Othering: From social imaginaire to physical acts: an anthropological approach.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this