Abstract
A problem that lies at the core of much of the world’s violence and inequality is the idea of separateness, and with it, the demonization of what is considered the Other and the dividing of people into a “good us” versus a “bad them.” As humans, we have a deep desire for belonging, but this often comes at the expense of othering and hardening of borders. Narratives of belonging can connect us to each other, but they can also separate us. This study examines and complicates what is meant by belonging and borders, and it explores ways of expanding our horizons so that we include more and more of humanity and living systems in our fields of concern. It presents various concepts and strategies for broadening belonging, such as “intraconnection” and “identification with all humanity,” and it emphasizes the role that the humanities can play in providing narrative alternatives to the idea of separateness.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Belonging, Borders, The Other, Migration, Common Humanity
