The term "politics" refers to the process through which groups, individuals, or organizations pursue their interests while taking into account various economic, social, cultural, and historical factors that may affect them. It is based on negotiation, compromise, and communication, and it includes both formal institutions such as governments, parties, and legislative bodies, as well as informal networks such as families, communities, and businesses. Political power is often used to shape societal norms, values, behaviors, beliefs, and identities, including those related to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, class, and sexual orientation. In this context, the concept of "outsider" can refer to anyone who does not conform to these dominant ideologies, practices, or conventions. This paper will explore how political constructions of outsiders have shaped erotic attraction, fear, or fascination toward ideologically or culturally different others.
Political Construction of Outsiders
Outsiders are constructed in politics in many ways, including but not limited to, discourse, policies, laws, media, educational curricula, popular culture, and public opinion.
Politicians often use rhetoric to create an "us versus them" dichotomy by portraying certain groups as threats or enemies to national security, economic prosperity, religious purity, or social cohesion. They may also emphasize differences between insiders and outsiders by creating binary categories (e.g., good vs evil, civilized vs barbarian) and using stereotypes, caricatures, and symbolism to reinforce them. Such framing often creates a sense of fear or disgust towards outsiders, making them appear less desirable or even repulsive for intimate relationships.
Erotic Attraction, Fear, or Fascination
Some individuals may still find themselves attracted to ideologically or culturally different others despite political constructions that deny their existence. This is particularly true when the perceived risk of entering into such relationships seems worth taking compared to the perceived benefits (e.g., romantic or sexual pleasure). Research has shown that people tend to be more open to interracial dating and marriage if they live in places where diversity is common and have had positive experiences with racially diverse peers (Jones et al., 2018). Similarly, research suggests that contact with members of other religions can reduce prejudice and improve attitudes toward them (Ramasubramanyan & Pillai, 2015). Thus, exposure to diverse perspectives and lived experiences may help foster erotic attraction towards outsiders.
Outsiders may also create feelings of fascination or curiosity among those who are not used to interacting with them.
Colonialist narratives created exotic depictions of colonized populations, emphasizing their differences from Western norms (Bailey, 2013). These portrayals were often accompanied by a desire to possess and control these bodies and minds, creating a fetishization dynamic between colonizer and colonized (Fanon, 1967). In this context, the "other" becomes an object of curiosity, exploration, and domination, which can lead to both physical and psychological violence against them.
The political construction of outsiders shapes erotic attraction, fear, or fascination towards ideologically or culturally different others. While some individuals may feel attracted despite negative representations, others may experience negative emotions due to lack of exposure or previous experiences. Further research is needed to understand how such dynamics influence intimacy and sexual relationships in intercultural contexts.
How does the political construction of the “outsider” shape erotic attraction, fear, or fascination toward ideologically or culturally different others?
The construct of the "outsider" has been used by many governments and political organizations around the world to create an "us versus them" mentality that allows for the subjugation, oppression, and even genocide of those who are seen as different from the dominant group.