Naslov
Stigma and Exile

Autori
Špoljar-Vržina, Sanja Marina

Izvornik
Journal of Mediterranean Studies (1016-3476) 11 (2001), 1; 255-268

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Anthropology; refugees; exile; stigmatization; well being

Sažetak
The paper analyses the processes of projection and stereotyping that are linked to the situation of exile. My attempt convey the experiences underwent in the course of fulfilling the field researches (from 1993 till now) carried out partly within the project “The Study and Care of Refugee Families - A Pilot Study of Anthropological and Psychodynamic Aspects” (UNESCO participation Project No. 9254-1994). It appears that there are many notions of what refugees and displaced persons should need, possess or even how they should look like. As for many other stigmatized groups, they often are effected by actions that carry the polarity “us” and “them". At least that is the message that one can pick up in the world-wide media bombardment over their well-being, as well as from many other documents of highly recognizable and dedicated sources. However, this paper is not based on the critique of this level, but is rather focused on the self-critique of the author, initiated by the notion that we must first become aware of the ways in which we, ourselves, stereotype people in order to, later on, scientifically analyze this occurrence. Additionally, the stereotypizations that a scientist can make and/or the laymen, and further on establish, on the basis of scientific evidence, is highly dangerous to the addressed groups, whether in an actual or metaphorical exile. Thus, the process of my continuous fieldwork, that initially aimed at other objectives, resulted instead in a self critique and analysis and the awareness that the more dynamic in our processes of thought, than is often admitted. Hence, the question we can jointly address is - what are the ways in which we correct our emotional “eyes of the beholder” ?

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Etnologija i antropologija

POVEZANOST RADA