Similarly, there can only be 'us' if there is 'them'. This bipolarity is a facet of our language. This week we look at some of the effects of this 'othering' process. An important point here is that the process of 'othering' is not a neutral one. Much is at stake.
Language is never without power.
Nevertheless, boundaries may be crossed and codes and conventions challenged or undone. Anne Cranny-Francis points to the irony of the 'othering' process in Australia, where it would make sense to see white Anglo and European people as 'other'. Describe some Australian stereotypes. Challenging Stereotypes Particular forms of conduct may be attached to particular categories, or groups of people through semiotic codes. Such codes may be transgressed as a way of 'undoing' or 'shifting' these attachments.