Visions of Humanity: Historical Cultural Practices since 1850

This book explores the historical development, transformation, and complexities of the concept of "humanity" in the transatlantic world, focusing on cultural representations. It demonstrates that "humanity" is embedded in networks of actors and cultural practices and has evolved through globalization, cultural imperialism, activism, and racism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This book provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the historical origins, transformations, and complexities of the concept of "humanity" in the transatlantic world, with a particular focus on cultural representations. The essays in this volume demonstrate that "humanity" has always been intricately intertwined with networks of actors and cultural practices, and its meanings have undergone profound shifts in response to historical processes such as globalization, cultural imperialism, the transnationalization of activism, and the rise of racism and nationalism. By employing a historical lens, Visions of Humanity offers a nuanced understanding of the historical tensions and struggles involved in the construction, invocation, and instrumentalization of the "we" of humanity.

The concept of "humanity" has a rich and complex history, shaped by a multitude of factors, including cultural, social, and political developments. In the transatlantic world, the concept of "humanity" has taken on particular significance, as it has been used to justify and perpetuate a range of oppressive practices and ideologies.

One of the key ways in which the concept of "humanity" has been used in the transatlantic world is to justify the exploitation and oppression of marginalized groups. Throughout history, European powers have used the idea of "humanity" to justify their colonization, enslavement, and exploitation of people from different cultures and regions. For example, in the 16th century, European colonizers claimed that they were bringing civilization and enlightenment to the "savages" of the Americas, and justified their actions by claiming that they were acting in the name of "humanity."

Similarly, in the 20th century, European powers used the concept of "humanity" to justify their involvement in the Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of millions of Jews and other minority groups. The ***** claimed that they were acting in the name of "humanity" by eradicating "unworthy" races and creating a "superior" race.

Another way in which the concept of "humanity" has been used in the transatlantic world is to perpetuate cultural imperialism. Cultural imperialism refers to the dominance of one culture over another, often through the imposition of Western values and beliefs on non-Western cultures. In the transatlantic world, cultural imperialism has been used to justify the colonization and exploitation of non-Western cultures, as well as to maintain the dominance of Western powers in the global economy.

For example, in the 19th century, European powers colonized Africa and Asia, and imposed their own cultural values and beliefs on the local populations. These cultural values often included the belief in the superiority of white supremacy, the superiority of male dominance, and the subjugation of women. These beliefs were often reinforced through the use of violence and coercion, and resulted in the exploitation and oppression of local populations.

In addition to its use to justify exploitation and oppression, the concept of "humanity" has also been used in the transatlantic world to perpetuate racism and nationalism. Racism and nationalism are ideologies that promote the belief that one race or nation is superior to another, and that it is entitled to dominate and control the lives of others. In the transatlantic world, racism and nationalism have been used to justify a range of oppressive practices, including segregation, discrimination, and violence.

For example, in the United States, racism and nationalism were used to justify the segregation of African Americans and other marginalized groups. Segregation was legal in the United States until the 1960s, and it resulted in the denial of basic rights and freedoms to African Americans, including the right
right to vote, the right to education, and the right to equal protection under the law.

Similarly, in Europe, racism and nationalism have been used to justify the exclusion and marginalization of immigrants and refugees. Immigrants and refugees are often seen as threats to the purity of the native population, and are often subjected to discrimination, violence, and exclusion. For example, in the United Kingdom human rights, immigrants and refugees are often subjected to detention and deportation, and are often denied access to basic services such as healthcare and education.

In conclusion, the concept of "humanity" has a complex and multifaceted history, shaped by a range of cultural, social, and political developments. In the transatlantic world, the concept of "humanity" has been used to justify and perpetuate a range of oppressive practices and ideologies, including the exploitation and oppression of marginalized groups, the perpetuation of cultural imperialism, and the perpetuation of racism and nationalism. While the concept of "humanity" has been used to promote positive values such as compassion, empathy, and solidarity, it has also been used to justify negative values such as exploitation, oppression, and violence. It is important to recognize the historical and ongoing impact of these ideologies on the lives of individuals and communities, and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable world that values the diversity and complexity of human experience.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805390848