by Shane Russo
Otherness is a term used to describe a person, or group, which is seen as being outside of the norm (Melani, 2009). Also according to Melani, “the Other is almost always seen as a lesser or inferior being and is treated accordingly” (Melani, 2009). For example, to the white middle class of the 1950s, the blacks were the Other. Otherness can take on many forms and can be found in almost every situation. It can be based on race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, political views, or social class (Melani, 2009). One would think that these things would automatically make the Other a numerical minority. However that is not always the case. A group being ruled imperially will become the Other even though they are in the numerical majority (Melani, 2009). Otherness is so prevalent in our culture that a person really needs to try hard to separate oneself enough from a situation to realize that he may be viewing it in the light of otherness.
Read more »
Recent Comments