Grenzen in unseren Köpfen: Überlegungen zur Funktion, Konstruktion und Dekonstruktion von nationalen Stereotypen

In: Modell Friedensregion Alpen-Adria?: Lernerfahrungen aus einer europäischen Grenzregion, S. 282-291

Abstract

"This article broaches the topic of stereotyping by discussing the fact that stereotypes are strongly connected to our social life. Hence, every individual tends to (re-)produce stereotypes in his or her mind, in order to find his or her own group identity as well as to establish personal boundaries. As a result of the wide spread notion that stereotypes are negative and able to cause unsettling ideologies and behavior, a general trend to tabooisation can be observed. However, simply discontinuing the conversation on stereotyping does not eliminate its negative problems. Following the aim to create a peaceful society across national borders, it is necessary to step beyond tabooing stereotypes and commence a process of reflection, discussion and most importantly, enunciation. In the long run, this is regarded as the only effective way to act against collective negative opinions on others. Especially when dealing with national stereotypes, this process can be used to emphasize their constructed character, as they can never be seen as valid for all citizens of a national state. By getting in contact with our neighbors we might realize that national borders are not as strong and separative as they may seem to be. Apart from the fact that every person is an individual and cannot be reduced to his or her nationality, both similarities of regions across national borders and considerable domestic differences can be elaborated. Eventually, some of the national stereotypes may simply be produced for economic reasons in order to present a country more attractively to tourists." (author's abstract)