Social Identity Theory Analysis
SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY
To better understand why destroying ancient cultural heritage sites and artifacts can be considered a form of ethnic cleansing, I turn to Social Identity Theory. As described by Danielle Renee Clark (2014), “Social identity theory is the social psychological process that prompts group affiliation and identity formation, intergroup conflict, and subsequently fosters links between groups and any relevant cultural heritage property.” (Clark, 2014, 9) Membership to a group is sought out to form a self-identity, while group identity is developed through intragroup cohesion (i.e., shared culture). “Membership in a group leads to the systematic comparison, differentiation, and derogation of other groups.” (Stein, 1996, 94) …show more content…
However, this desire was not just a western concept, but was also considered by non-western civilizations pre-dating the Renaissance. Islamic law dating back to 632-634 AD, mandates the obligation to distinguish between military and non-military objects. “In accordance with the orders of the first Caliph Abu Bakr, attacks should be ‘strickly confined to military targets’ (i.e., objects that by their nature or use are intended for the pursuit of hostilities). Thus, the Islamic concept presumes ‘all objects to be civilian unless proven otherwise.’” (Singer, 2015, …show more content…
signed but did not ratify (signaling possible non-support) until 1999; divergences with religious laws (e.g., Islamic Law); and while the agreement covers external and internal conflicts, the Second Protocol does not cover extremist groups. (He, 2015) For example, in 2001, the Taliban demolished the two Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan. These statues were carved by Buddhist monks between the third and sixth centuries C.E., one of which was the tallest known Buddha in the world at 55 meters tall. (Clark, 2014) They were a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and although Buddhism had not been practiced in the Bamiyan Valley for centuries, the local (predominately) Shia Muslim communities valued the statues. (He, 2014; Clark 2014) “The Hazara people, an ethnic minority in Afghanistan, established cultural links to the colossal Buddhas in their valley, usurping them into their own folkloric tradition and building from the physiological ties between themselves and the statues.” (Clark, 2014, 2) The Taliban states they demolished the statues on the basis of idolatry (in Islamic law), which was affirmed by their Supreme Court. (He,
To better understand why destroying ancient cultural heritage sites and artifacts can be considered a form of ethnic cleansing, I turn to Social Identity Theory. As described by Danielle Renee Clark (2014), “Social identity theory is the social psychological process that prompts group affiliation and identity formation, intergroup conflict, and subsequently fosters links between groups and any relevant cultural heritage property.” (Clark, 2014, 9) Membership to a group is sought out to form a self-identity, while group identity is developed through intragroup cohesion (i.e., shared culture). “Membership in a group leads to the systematic comparison, differentiation, and derogation of other groups.” (Stein, 1996, 94) …show more content…
However, this desire was not just a western concept, but was also considered by non-western civilizations pre-dating the Renaissance. Islamic law dating back to 632-634 AD, mandates the obligation to distinguish between military and non-military objects. “In accordance with the orders of the first Caliph Abu Bakr, attacks should be ‘strickly confined to military targets’ (i.e., objects that by their nature or use are intended for the pursuit of hostilities). Thus, the Islamic concept presumes ‘all objects to be civilian unless proven otherwise.’” (Singer, 2015, …show more content…
signed but did not ratify (signaling possible non-support) until 1999; divergences with religious laws (e.g., Islamic Law); and while the agreement covers external and internal conflicts, the Second Protocol does not cover extremist groups. (He, 2015) For example, in 2001, the Taliban demolished the two Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan. These statues were carved by Buddhist monks between the third and sixth centuries C.E., one of which was the tallest known Buddha in the world at 55 meters tall. (Clark, 2014) They were a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and although Buddhism had not been practiced in the Bamiyan Valley for centuries, the local (predominately) Shia Muslim communities valued the statues. (He, 2014; Clark 2014) “The Hazara people, an ethnic minority in Afghanistan, established cultural links to the colossal Buddhas in their valley, usurping them into their own folkloric tradition and building from the physiological ties between themselves and the statues.” (Clark, 2014, 2) The Taliban states they demolished the statues on the basis of idolatry (in Islamic law), which was affirmed by their Supreme Court. (He,