Narratives are stories that are told to explain events or describe situations. These stories can be fictional, nonfictional, or a combination of both. Narratives can be found in books, movies, television shows, plays, songs, poems, and even advertisements. When it comes to contamination, narratives often reinforce social hierarchies, moral authority, and cultural power dynamics. Contamination is defined as the presence of harmful substances in food, water, air, soil, or living organisms. It can also refer to pollution, corruption, and destruction. The narrative of contamination often portrays those who are considered "contaminated" as being less than human. They are seen as dirty, impure, and diseased. This narrative has been used throughout history to justify discrimination, oppression, and violence against certain groups of people.
During the time of the plague in Europe, Jews were blamed for the disease and killed because they were thought to be the source of the outbreak. In modern times, this narrative continues to be used against marginalized communities, such as immigrants and refugees.
The narrative of contamination also reinforces moral authority by presenting one group as morally superior to another. Those who are perceived as clean and pure are seen as good while those who are considered contaminated are seen as bad. This can lead to a sense of righteousness among those who see themselves as pure and justified anger towards those who are considered contaminated.
In the novel The Handmaid's Tale, Offred is forced to participate in sex acts with the Commander as a means of reproduction for him and his wife. She feels disgusted and dirty after each encounter but knows that she must submit to her role because it is what is expected of her.
The narrative of contamination reinforces cultural power dynamics by creating hierarchies based on purity and impurity. Those who are deemed more pure or untouched are given more power and privilege than those who are less so. This can lead to social exclusion and segregation. In the movie Contagion, the CDC tries to control the spread of a deadly virus by quarantining entire cities. This serves to isolate the infected from the rest of society and maintain order. It also allows those in power to assert their dominance over those who are seen as lesser.
Narratives of contamination have been used throughout history to justify violence, discrimination, and oppression against marginalized groups. They perpetuate social hierarchies, moral authority, and cultural power dynamics. By understanding how these narratives operate, we can begin to challenge them and create a more equitable world.
In what ways do narratives of contamination reinforce social hierarchies, moral authority, and cultural power dynamics?
The storytelling technique of portraying certain individuals as impure or corrupted can be used to maintain social hierarchy and control, which is also known as contagion theory. This is a powerful tool for those who want to assert their dominance over others by making them seem inferior or dangerous. By using such narratives, people with more power can manipulate those with lesser status into believing that they are morally weak or unclean, thus reinforcing their superiority.