The paper deals with Anglo-German perceptions in general and considers the process of stereotyping within the process of perceiving the othe rcountry in particular. It looks at the projection of certain images onto the German people and country and identifies the effects of such projections on bilateral relations with regard to politics, society, tourism and economy.
The paper works at the development and maintenance of stereotypes and discusses the respective (historical) contexts and circumstances which play a role for a stereotype coming into being or being maintained. Furthermore British images of the Germans during the Second World War, the concept of a "national character" as well as the British Europhobia gain special attendance. Besides, the role of media, education and literature in the process of establishing, spreading and maintaining stereotypes are discussed.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. About Stereotypes
- 3. What stereotypes are derived from
- 3.1. The concept of a 'national character'
- 3.2. A survey of the history of Anglo-German relations with a focus on the parallel development of different stereotypes
- 3.3. British images of Germany during the Second World War
- 4. The mediation of stereotypes
- 4.1. Stereotypes in literature
- 4.2. Stereotypes in the press
- 4.3. Stereotypes and education
- 5. Effects of stereotypes on bilateral relations and British Europhobia
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines Anglo-German perceptions, focusing on the British perspective of Germany and the Germans. It investigates the origins and perpetuation of stereotypes, exploring their basis in concepts like "national character" and historical events such as World War II. The paper also analyzes how these stereotypes are mediated through literature, the press, and education, and considers their impact on bilateral relations and British Europhobia. * The origins and nature of stereotypes in Anglo-German relations. * The role of historical context in shaping these stereotypes. * The influence of media and education in perpetuating stereotypes. * The impact of stereotypes on Anglo-German relations. * The connection between stereotypes and British Europhobia.Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the paper's focus on the multifaceted stereotypes, prejudices, and images that influence British perceptions of Germany and vice-versa. It highlights the universality of stereotyping, citing Brechtken's observation that individuals and groups invariably invoke connotations when discussing other nations. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, promising an exploration of stereotype origins, their mediation through various channels (literature, media, education), and their effects on Anglo-German relations, including British Europhobia. The author acknowledges the inherent generalizations involved in studying stereotypes but argues for focusing on prevalent attitudes, even if individuals may deviate. 2. About stereotypes: This chapter delves into the concept of stereotypes, drawing upon Lippmann's work to establish stereotyping as a normal cognitive process that simplifies information processing. It acknowledges the potential for harmful generalizations and simplifications, noting that stereotypes may not reflect reality and can lead to prejudice. The chapter differentiates between stereotypes and images, emphasizing the subjective and culturally influenced nature of national images and the influence of self-perception on the perception of others. The role of historical experience in stereotyping is also discussed, highlighting its limitations in light of changing political and social realities. 3. What stereotypes are derived from: This chapter explores the sources of Anglo-German stereotypes, beginning with the concept of "national character." It traces the historical evolution of this idea, mentioning the earlier attribution of national differences to factors like climate and language. The chapter critically examines the unscientific nature of such explanations, yet acknowledges the persistent British belief in a German national character, citing evidence from political initiatives and scholarly works by Nünning. The section promises to delve further into the historical context of Anglo-German relations.Keywords
Anglo-German relations, stereotypes, national character, prejudice, Europhobia, Germanophobia, xenophobia, media representation, education, historical context, World War II, bilateral relations, national identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this paper?
This paper examines Anglo-German perceptions, focusing on the British perspective of Germany and the Germans. It investigates the origins and perpetuation of stereotypes, exploring their basis in concepts like "national character" and historical events such as World War II. The paper also analyzes how these stereotypes are mediated through literature, the press, and education, and considers their impact on bilateral relations and British Europhobia.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the origins and nature of stereotypes in Anglo-German relations; the role of historical context in shaping these stereotypes; the influence of media and education in perpetuating stereotypes; the impact of stereotypes on Anglo-German relations; and the connection between stereotypes and British Europhobia.
What are the main chapters and their respective focuses?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Sets the stage, highlighting the prevalence of stereotypes and outlining the paper's structure. Chapter 2 (About Stereotypes): Defines stereotypes, exploring their cognitive basis and potential for harm. Chapter 3 (What stereotypes are derived from): Investigates the sources of Anglo-German stereotypes, focusing on the concept of "national character" and historical events, particularly World War II. Chapter 4 (The mediation of stereotypes): Analyzes how stereotypes are perpetuated through literature, the press, and education. Chapter 5 (Effects of stereotypes on bilateral relations and British Europhobia): Discusses the impact of stereotypes on Anglo-German relations and the link to British Europhobia.
How does the paper define and understand stereotypes?
The paper defines stereotypes as a normal cognitive process that simplifies information processing (drawing on Lippmann's work). It acknowledges their potential for harmful generalizations and simplifications, emphasizing that they may not reflect reality and can lead to prejudice. The paper distinguishes between stereotypes and images, highlighting the subjective and culturally influenced nature of national images.
What role does history play in shaping Anglo-German stereotypes?
The paper emphasizes the significant role of historical context, particularly World War II, in shaping negative stereotypes. It examines how historical events and the concept of "national character" have contributed to the perpetuation of these stereotypes over time, while also acknowledging the limitations of solely relying on historical experience to understand current perceptions.
How do media and education contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes?
The paper explores how literature, the press, and educational systems have mediated and perpetuated stereotypes. It suggests that these channels play a crucial role in reinforcing and disseminating preconceived notions about Germans and Germany within the British context.
What is the impact of these stereotypes on Anglo-German relations and British Europhobia?
The paper investigates the consequences of these stereotypes on the relationship between Britain and Germany, suggesting a connection between negative stereotypes and the phenomenon of British Europhobia (aversion to European integration).
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Anglo-German relations, stereotypes, national character, prejudice, Europhobia, Germanophobia, xenophobia, media representation, education, historical context, World War II, bilateral relations, national identity.
- Quote paper
- Thérèse Remus (Author), 2009, Germanophobia, Europhobia, Xenophobia – About Stereotypes in Anglo-German Relations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/195942
