Otherness is the perception of the "other" as someone different and alien to oneself and the community, without this necessarily implying a negative aspect. Therefore, it is the distinction of the existence of the so-called “different”.
Likewise, this term has been the object of study in social anthropology, philosophy and sociology, since it implies the development and formation of social relations, through the recognition of the "other" -which is also in our environment-.
On the other hand, some specialists indicate that both the concept of the "other" and "otherness" come from studies in anthropology that sought to explain cultural diversity, social structures and individual perspectives.
So the "otherness" has to start from two important points: the "me" and the "other" (or also "they" and "us"), which seeks to promote understanding and peaceful relationships in society.
Origin
Some scholars point out that the concept of "otherness" began to be used in Social Anthropology studies at the beginning of the 20th century.
However, it should be mentioned that antecedents have been found on the subject dating from other currents and studies, such as in the evolutionism of the 19th century or in the functionalism of the 20th century. Therefore, it can be said that the study in this regard has been carried out in different times and historical contexts.
In developing a definition, scholars used the analysis of several very important social and cultural processes such as the Industrial Revolution and the time of the conquest in America, mainly because it revealed the presence of individuals with different customs and needs from each other..
As a result, it is estimated that sociology pursues the understanding of "us", while anthropology studies the "others".
Important aspects
In view of the above, some important elements that are linked to the emergence of "otherness" as a concept are worth highlighting:
-It is estimated that the German philosopher Georg Hegel was one of the first to introduce the term "other" as part of a series of studies on the journey of self-knowledge that man makes.
-Jean Paul Sartre also alludes to the subject when he indicates that the world changes due to the presence of an “other”. This, in addition, corresponds to a feeling that everyone has and that does not necessarily have to be seen as a threat or negative idea.
-The “otherness” is a phenomenon that highlights the need to practice empathy, since it demands the understanding of the “other”.
-In Psychoanalysis, Freud indicated that the "other" was everything different from the "I", that which is found externally and that is not the person himself.
-Other authors have given more complex dimensions to this concept, since they have extended it to symbolic figures, and it has even served to relate it to the Catholic God.
-From anthropology, “otherness” can also be seen as the phenomenon that gives way to cultural diversity, since it allows the understanding of other customs and manifestations of the folklore of a place.
-The “otherness” also works as a method to see the differences from the positive, although it is a phenomenon that is also accompanied by negative manifestations such as racism, homophobia, xenophobia and misogyny.
Meaning
In a general sense, “otherness” refers to the recognition and consideration of the “other”, either as an individual or as a group, although there are different customs and specific needs.
Therefore, the state of consciousness about the existence of others is what allows us to understand that not everything is our own and that the presence of the "different" also implies the formation of a social identity.
This also highlights something important: just as we recognize others, we ourselves can be it for different groups and individuals. That is, we are "me" and the "other" at the same time.
Otherness
A term that is closely related to "otherness" is otherness, which is the philosophical principle that indicates changing or alternating personal perspective for that of the "other".
The word is based on the principle of empathy that allows to place oneself in the situation of the other person, from individual reflection. In fact, for some authors, otherness is essential for the establishment of dialogues, as well as peaceful relationships based on respect.
An environment that promotes otherness, integration and the will to understand will reign, otherwise, the confrontation of groups and the need to impose wills and beliefs will manifest.
Examples
-The arrival of the Spaniards and Europeans to the American continent was called "The discovery of America." This term, however, is the denial of the existence of aboriginal groups in the place, so it is understood that their quality of "otherness" was not recognized even though they were already in these lands.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that the aborigines were also used as a labor force for the production of goods and the exploitation of natural resources.
-Going on a trip to another country for vacations also offers the experience of feeling like the “other”, since you are in a completely different context from the one you come from. This causes the need to interact and understand the culture that is visited in order to achieve a better adaptation.
-The above can also be extended in the migration process. Unlike the previous one, this includes a higher level of complexity, since it implies the need for integration. That is why it is common for migrants to also seek to interact with their countrymen to assess the current situation and make the situation more bearable.
-With the establishment of Nazism during World War II, an example of the lack of recognition of the "other" is made clear, due to the extermination of an ethnic group.
-The coexistence of different racial and cultural groups at the same point, is considered a type of "otherness". New York is one of the most prominent references, since it brings together a diversity of communities that coexist and interact with each other.
References
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- Construction of otherness in contemporary philosophy. Tracing its origins in Karl Marx and Friedrich Nietzsche. (2006). At the National University of the Northeast. Retrieved: September 24, 2018. At the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste of unne.edu.ar.
- Definition of otherness. (sf). In DefinitionABC. Retrieved: September 24, 2018. In DefinitionABC of definicionabc.com.
- Definition of otherness. (sf). In Definition.of. Retrieved: September 24, 2018. In Definition.de de definition.de.
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