Zinloos en zinvol geweld

Abstract

Senseless and Meaningful Violence. Typical Western discourse on violence describes it as disruptive, counter to the social order, the antithesis of civilization, and something to be curbed or banned. It is argued here that such descriptions divorce individual cases of violence from their contexts, making them appear meaningless and irrational. A deeper look shows that violence is a symbolic activity. If analyzed in conjunction with cultural codes and symbols, and the historical and cultural context, many forms of violence are ritualized and bear the characteristics of a theatrical performance, eg, bull fighting or terrorism. In addition, violence often appears to be closely connected to cultural constructions of masculinity (eg, gang rape as a rite of passage). 63 References. Adapted from the source document.