Othering

Definition

Othering is a process through which individuals or groups are marginalized and defined as fundamentally different from a perceived norm, often leading to discrimination and dehumanization. This concept is crucial in understanding colonial narratives where explorers and colonizers depict indigenous peoples as 'others' who are inferior or savage, thus justifying their exploitation and domination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Christopher Columbus's writings often depicted Native Americans as primitive and uncivilized, reinforcing the notion of othering to justify European superiority.
2. Spanish and French colonial narratives frequently emphasized cultural differences to portray indigenous peoples as threats or obstacles to progress.
3. Othering was a tool used by explorers to rationalize their actions, often framing their conquests as benevolent missions to 'civilize' the so-called savage populations.
4. This process of othering allowed colonizers to ignore the complexities and humanity of the people they encountered, reducing them to mere objects of conquest.
5. The impact of othering can still be seen today in contemporary discussions around race, culture, and identity, reflecting ongoing legacies of colonial attitudes.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of othering help us understand the motivations behind Columbus's writings about Native Americans?
  • Othering in Columbus's writings illustrates his need to define Native Americans as fundamentally different from Europeans. By portraying them as primitive and uncivilized, Columbus justified his explorations and the subsequent colonization. This perspective allowed him to frame his encounters not just as exploration, but as a mission to civilize those he deemed inferior.
• In what ways did Spanish and French colonial narratives utilize othering to shape perceptions of indigenous peoples?
  • Spanish and French colonial narratives used othering by emphasizing cultural differences that framed indigenous peoples as dangerous or inferior. This portrayal served a dual purpose: it justified colonial expansion while also instilling fear among European audiences. By depicting these groups in a negative light, colonizers reinforced their own cultural superiority and rationalized their dominance over these societies.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of othering on modern societal attitudes towards race and culture, particularly in the context of post-colonial studies.
  • The long-term effects of othering have profoundly influenced modern societal attitudes toward race and culture. In post-colonial studies, it is evident that the narratives created during colonial times continue to inform contemporary views on identity and belonging. Othering has led to systemic racism and cultural stereotypes that persist today, highlighting the importance of deconstructing these historical narratives to foster understanding and inclusivity in diverse societies.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group and culture, often leading to prejudice against other cultures.

Stereotyping: The oversimplified and fixed idea about a group of people, which often leads to misrepresentation and prejudice.