HOSPITABLE EUROPE

Hospitality vs Hatred of the Other: A Study of Welcoming versus Prejudiced Representations of Otherness in Britain and Poland

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The objective of this project is to complete my research into prejudiced representations of the Other (hostility) vs cultural initiatives to create welcoming representations (hospitality) in Britain and Poland. There are significant differences in the approaches to the Other between and within the two countries of the European Union. My study will examine the representations of Jews, Roma, Muslims and other national, ethnic and religious minorities, the LGBT community, refugees and other immigrants, people with disabilities, the economically excluded as alienated in the UK and Poland. Because of the abortion ban, women are among the most vulnerable in Poland and are, therefore, the Beauvoirean Other in this country. A variety of prejudices converge on the ‘Others’ who are devoid of subjectivity and visibility. Therefore, it is important to examine the problematics of alterity and visibility alike, in order to empower the excluded. My research project aims to examine the phobias directed at supposed strangers and attempts to fight this intolerance as an opposition is strengthening against the prejudiced perceptions.

This project examines linkages among sexism, anti-Semitism and other phobias – and, above all, opposition to them. It focuses on the picture of the Other when Europe is witnessing the rise of an uncivil society with its sexist, racist, anti-Semitic, homo- and xenophobic as well as Islamophobic ideology and iconography. This project explores the ideas and images of the Other produced by the far right, as well as initiatives that oppose them in a civil society: political philosophy and visual culture. An impact of this action is to maximise my contribution to society through a diagnosis of the cultural representations to the Other and recommendations to adopt an ethics of hospitality (according to Jacques Derrida ethics, culture and hospitality are synonymous). This advanced training will also enhance my competence diversification.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

There are major differences in approaches to otherness between and within European nations. EU-funded research has supported further work on a political philosophy related to welcoming the 'other'.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The HOSPITABLE EUROPE project was established to complete research into prejudiced representations of the other (hostility) versus undertakings to create welcoming representations (hospitality) in Britain and Poland. The initiative extended beyond the academic realm by including in its scope the co-curation of a travelling exhibition and accompanying events (open to the public).

Work focused on the link between others' lack of power and lack of visibility. The study examined representations of Jews, Roma, Muslims and other national, ethnic and religious minorities, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, LGBTQ community, refugees and other immigrants, people with disabilities and the economically excluded.

HOSPITABLE EUROPE also considered social intolerances such as sexism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia and xenophobia in iconography and ideology. It studied acts of opposition to these fears, such as activism, political philosophy and praxis, protest movements and socially engaged art.

Research led to an analysis and postulating of a social, political and cultural philosophy of equality and diversity that considers minorities' rights and participation. Project work and outcomes promote the concept of hospit-Alterity, developed and promoted by HOSPITABLE EUROPE as a political philosophy of welcoming the other.

The book 'Dream? Democracy! A Philosophy of Horror, Hope & Hospitality in Art and Action' has been published and the book 'The stranger is within ourselves: Love according to Julia Kristeva' has been prepared for publication (both in English). The project co-organised and executed the Healing War through Art exhibition and academic symposium, held in the United Kingdom in 2014.

Additional activities included public lectures and participation in socially-themed panels in various cities across Europe. HOSPITABLE EUROPE also gave a presentation on Equality for Foreigners and Refugees to the Polish government.

Project objectives have been successfully realised, with outcomes contributing to civil society through public events such as debates, travelling exhibitions and conferences. These took place in Britain, Poland and internationally. The events helped to both develop and disseminate the study's research.

There is further potential to share research results with other policymakers and civil society to bring about change in attitudes to excluded groups. The overall premise is to encourage hosting them with greater hospitality, for a more inclusive EU.