Migration Policies Shape Processes of Erotic Othering
Erotic othering is the process of constructing an image of another person, usually someone who is perceived to be different from oneself, as a source of erotic desire, but also as a source of fear, danger, or disgust. This process can occur in various contexts, including interpersonal relationships, mass media, popular culture, politics, and public discourse about migration policies.
Migration policies shape processes of erotic othering by creating barriers that make it difficult for people to move freely across borders.
Laws restricting immigration, border security measures, and deportation procedures can all create barriers that prevent individuals from meeting, interacting with, and forming relationships with others from different backgrounds. These policies may also reinforce negative stereotypes about certain groups of people, such as refugees, undocumented immigrants, and non-Westerners, which can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or repulsion towards them.
When the foreign body becomes a site of both desire and threat, emotional consequences arise because the individual must grapple with conflicting feelings of attraction and repulsion towards the same person or group.
An individual may find themselves attracted to someone who is perceived to be different from them due to their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation, but also feel threatened by the cultural differences between them. Alternatively, they may experience shame, guilt, or self-doubt if they engage in intimate interactions with someone who is perceived to be different from them, leading to a sense of betrayal or isolation.
Migration policies play a significant role in shaping processes of erotic othering and the emotional consequences that arise when the foreign body becomes a source of both desire and threat. By examining how these policies affect interpersonal relationships, we can better understand how our perceptions of difference impact our sexual desires and identify ways to promote more inclusive and compassionate approaches to human connection.
How do migration policies shape processes of erotic othering, and what emotional consequences arise when the foreign body becomes a site of both desire and threat?
Migration policy refers to governmental decisions related to immigration laws, procedures, and regulations that determine who can enter, leave, or stay in a country for a certain period of time. Migration policies may vary from open to closed, highly restrictive, or liberal depending on the political climate, geopolitical tensions, economic needs, cultural attitudes, and historical factors. As a result, migrants are often perceived as either desired or undesired elements in society.