When History Becomes a Weapon. Stereotypes, Prejudices and the European (Economic) Crisis

Abstract

Pictures of Angela Merkel in a Nazi uniform, burning German flags, newspaper articles portraying Southern Europe as work-shy and Northern Europe as tight-fisted. The eurozone crisis has thrown up old stereotypes, often digging into well-established historical images of ‘the other’. The conscious (ab)use of national prejudices by politicians and media and the strong emotional reactions among European citizens have caused a lot of concern among politicians and intellectuals, fearing negative implications for the whole European integration process. This panel features research projects which examine the nexus between the (economic) crisis and the use of historical images, prejudices and stereotypes. Particular attention is paid to political and media discourses and their implications on society. By gathering scholars from different countries (Spain, Norway, Bulgaria, Greece, Switzerland, UK) with different disciplinary backgrounds and from different generations, this panel examines the topic from the widest possible angle.

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