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Mostly because it's unrecognized as symbolic violence. Bourdieu's concept of "symbolic violence", examples we often see, and how to address it.
Where there's conflict and media, there's inevitably symbolic violence. Symbolic violence can lead to physical violence, decision-making errors, social chaos, and cultural shifts.
People often get trapped in determining "who" or "which" is right, being permissive about freedom, yet on the other hand, longing for social change without violence. It's crucial to understand the inherent side of media and conflict, inseparable from "symbolic violence".
This article discusses what "symbolic violence" is, its impacts, why it happens, and 45 examples of symbolic violence in media, as well as how we can reduce it to the lowest level.
According to Pierre Bourdieu, it is a form of violence that doesn't use physical force but employs symbols, language, and cultural representation to exert power and influence over individuals or groups in society.
The negative impact of symbolic violence is evident in the thoughts, behavior, and identity of an individual or group and can be an instrument in maintaining a group or class's dominance in society.
Symbolic violence occurs when different social forces clash in society, and the stronger force uses symbols and language to maintain its position.
Symbolic violence operates through the hegemonic discourse symbols over the dominated object.
It often operates covertly, unrecognized by both perpetrator and victim. When recognized, symbolic violence is considered "correct" (necessary), with negative consequences.
This violence is prevalent everywhere, including in families, like between parents and children.
An example of symbolic violence in families: Under the guise of educating, disciplining, or guiding towards affection, parents often steer their children towards a singular path. Unwittingly, parents force children into specific opinions, behaviors, or attitudes. They're not given the chance to express themselves or consider alternative options. Ultimately, whether through dislike, irritation, or reluctance, they tend to follow the parental narrative out of obedience and fear of being labeled disrespectful. In such relationships, both parents and children are unaware of being in a cycle of symbolic violence.
Here are the differences between symbolic and physical violence:
A non-physical form of violence manifested in power differences between social groups.
Operates through the hegemonic discourse symbols over the dominated object.
Mainly operates in and through language, and more broadly in and through representation.
Doesn't physically harm the victim but causes deep emotional hurt and lasts very long.
A form of violence involving physical actions causing injury or damage to the victim's body. Examples include hitting, stabbing, shooting, or burning.
A cruder and more brutal form of violence, physically, compared to symbolic violence.
Can cause serious physical injuries or even death.
Both have serious impacts on the victim. Symbolic violence can cause severe psychological and emotional damage, while physical violence can cause serious physical injuries or even death. Both forms of violence are antithetical to a peaceful society.
I'll summarize Pierre Bourdieu's thoughts on symbolic violence:
Symbolic violence represents a type of non-physical violence manifested in power differences between social groups.
It functions to legitimize domination.
Symbolic violence is hidden violence that operates primarily in and through language, and more broadly in and through representation.
It blurs the lines between material and spiritual, power and law, body and soul.
Symbolic violence applies to all forms of "soft" domination that have been tabooed from being played out.
It occurs outside consciousness and is always present in various human social practices.
Symbolic violence is latent, unrecognized, and unfelt, both by the perpetrator and the victim.
All forms of educational action are symbolic violence as far as cultural imposition is concerned.
To identify a form of symbolic violence within a structure, Bourdieu introduced key concepts that can explain how social practices are made possible: habitus, field, and capital.
A concept referring to patterns of behavior, habits, and perspectives internalized in a person as a result of their life experiences.
Habitus means an internalized way of looking at something that can affect a person's perception and actions toward an event or phenomenon.
Understanding habitus helps comprehend how a person's perceptions and actions are influenced by what is portrayed in the media.
A concept referring to a structured social realm with specific rules governing behavior and social interactions.
Fields are social realms with certain rules that affect a person's perception and actions toward an event or phenomenon.
Understanding the field helps us grasp how certain rules in the media influence a person's perceptions and actions regarding what is shown in the media.
A concept referring to the resources a person possesses, whether economic, cultural, social, or symbolic.
Capital means the resources a person has that can influence their perception and actions toward an event or phenomenon.
Understanding capital helps us understand how a person's resources influence their perception and actions regarding what is shown in the media.
Steps in Identifying Symbolic Violence:
Observing how the media exploits symbolic violence to convey messages to society.
Analyzing how specific media rules influence a person's perception and actions regarding an event or phenomenon.
Examining how a person's resources affect their perception and actions regarding an event or phenomenon portrayed in the media.
The media employs stereotypes (double standards, biased views) to enact symbolic violence. For example, labeling Person A as religious based on ancestry and appearance, or Person B as nationalist for being a member of a nationalist party. However, labels like "religious" and "nationalist" aren't limited to such attributes.
Symbolic violence in media can take various forms:
Discrimination against minorities, reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices.
Reinforcing divisions through continuous news, biased reporting, and unbalanced coverage.
Directing public opinion, especially through the "justification" of expert opinions.
Forced objectivity, focusing on a single perspective without considering context.
Victim blaming in cases like sexual assault or domestic violence.
Thought imprisonment, limiting diversity of thought and perspective in reporting.
Spreading hoaxes, as they are a clear form of symbolic violence.
Selecting sources based on convenience, access, or advertising, potentially creating symbolic violence.
Creating a common enemy, often impersonal issues like injustice, poverty, or corruption.
Gender discrimination, focusing on physical appearance or reinforcing gender stereotypes.
Using derogatory language or imagery towards certain groups.
Strengthening negative stereotypes about specific groups.
Ignoring or silencing certain voices or key facts.
Reinforcing the views or interests of dominant groups.
Distributing false or inaccurate information about certain groups.
Exposing private matters and highlighting negative aspects for sensationalism.
Emphasizing political, economic, or religious viewpoints.
Misrepresenting facts to sway public opinion.
Objectifying women and reinforcing gender biases.
Sensationalizing violence or crime without adequate context.
I'm optimistic that symbolic violence can be minimized through:
Providing balanced and accurate event representation.
Avoiding stereotypes and prejudices.
Listening to marginalized voices.
Holding perpetrators accountable.
Ethical guidelines promotion, including sharing this article.
What you read today may not be free from "symbolic violence". Whether intentional or not, we can reduce it to the lowest level. Eliminate symbolic violence in the media. [dm]
Day Milovich,,
Webmaster, artworker, writer live in Rembang and Kota Lama Semarang Indonesia
Mostly because it's unrecognized as symbolic violence. Bourdieu's concept of "symbolic violence", examples we often see, and how to address it.
Where there's conflict and media, there's inevitably symbolic violence. Symbolic violence can lead to physical violence, decision-making errors, social chaos, and cultural shifts.
People often get trapped in determining "who" or "which" is right, being permissive about freedom, yet on the other hand, longing for social change without violence. It's crucial to understand the inherent side of media and conflict, inseparable from "symbolic violence".
This article discusses what "symbolic violence" is, its impacts, why it happens, and 45 examples of symbolic violence in media, as well as how we can reduce it to the lowest level.
According to Pierre Bourdieu, it is a form of violence that doesn't use physical force but employs symbols, language, and cultural representation to exert power and influence over individuals or groups in society.
The negative impact of symbolic violence is evident in the thoughts, behavior, and identity of an individual or group and can be an instrument in maintaining a group or class's dominance in society.
Symbolic violence occurs when different social forces clash in society, and the stronger force uses symbols and language to maintain its position.
Symbolic violence operates through the hegemonic discourse symbols over the dominated object.
It often operates covertly, unrecognized by both perpetrator and victim. When recognized, symbolic violence is considered "correct" (necessary), with negative consequences.
This violence is prevalent everywhere, including in families, like between parents and children.
An example of symbolic violence in families: Under the guise of educating, disciplining, or guiding towards affection, parents often steer their children towards a singular path. Unwittingly, parents force children into specific opinions, behaviors, or attitudes. They're not given the chance to express themselves or consider alternative options. Ultimately, whether through dislike, irritation, or reluctance, they tend to follow the parental narrative out of obedience and fear of being labeled disrespectful. In such relationships, both parents and children are unaware of being in a cycle of symbolic violence.
Here are the differences between symbolic and physical violence:
A non-physical form of violence manifested in power differences between social groups.
Operates through the hegemonic discourse symbols over the dominated object.
Mainly operates in and through language, and more broadly in and through representation.
Doesn't physically harm the victim but causes deep emotional hurt and lasts very long.
A form of violence involving physical actions causing injury or damage to the victim's body. Examples include hitting, stabbing, shooting, or burning.
A cruder and more brutal form of violence, physically, compared to symbolic violence.
Can cause serious physical injuries or even death.
Both have serious impacts on the victim. Symbolic violence can cause severe psychological and emotional damage, while physical violence can cause serious physical injuries or even death. Both forms of violence are antithetical to a peaceful society.
I'll summarize Pierre Bourdieu's thoughts on symbolic violence:
Symbolic violence represents a type of non-physical violence manifested in power differences between social groups.
It functions to legitimize domination.
Symbolic violence is hidden violence that operates primarily in and through language, and more broadly in and through representation.
It blurs the lines between material and spiritual, power and law, body and soul.
Symbolic violence applies to all forms of "soft" domination that have been tabooed from being played out.
It occurs outside consciousness and is always present in various human social practices.
Symbolic violence is latent, unrecognized, and unfelt, both by the perpetrator and the victim.
All forms of educational action are symbolic violence as far as cultural imposition is concerned.
To identify a form of symbolic violence within a structure, Bourdieu introduced key concepts that can explain how social practices are made possible: habitus, field, and capital.
A concept referring to patterns of behavior, habits, and perspectives internalized in a person as a result of their life experiences.
Habitus means an internalized way of looking at something that can affect a person's perception and actions toward an event or phenomenon.
Understanding habitus helps comprehend how a person's perceptions and actions are influenced by what is portrayed in the media.
A concept referring to a structured social realm with specific rules governing behavior and social interactions.
Fields are social realms with certain rules that affect a person's perception and actions toward an event or phenomenon.
Understanding the field helps us grasp how certain rules in the media influence a person's perceptions and actions regarding what is shown in the media.
A concept referring to the resources a person possesses, whether economic, cultural, social, or symbolic.
Capital means the resources a person has that can influence their perception and actions toward an event or phenomenon.
Understanding capital helps us understand how a person's resources influence their perception and actions regarding what is shown in the media.
Steps in Identifying Symbolic Violence:
Observing how the media exploits symbolic violence to convey messages to society.
Analyzing how specific media rules influence a person's perception and actions regarding an event or phenomenon.
Examining how a person's resources affect their perception and actions regarding an event or phenomenon portrayed in the media.
The media employs stereotypes (double standards, biased views) to enact symbolic violence. For example, labeling Person A as religious based on ancestry and appearance, or Person B as nationalist for being a member of a nationalist party. However, labels like "religious" and "nationalist" aren't limited to such attributes.
Symbolic violence in media can take various forms:
Discrimination against minorities, reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices.
Reinforcing divisions through continuous news, biased reporting, and unbalanced coverage.
Directing public opinion, especially through the "justification" of expert opinions.
Forced objectivity, focusing on a single perspective without considering context.
Victim blaming in cases like sexual assault or domestic violence.
Thought imprisonment, limiting diversity of thought and perspective in reporting.
Spreading hoaxes, as they are a clear form of symbolic violence.
Selecting sources based on convenience, access, or advertising, potentially creating symbolic violence.
Creating a common enemy, often impersonal issues like injustice, poverty, or corruption.
Gender discrimination, focusing on physical appearance or reinforcing gender stereotypes.
Using derogatory language or imagery towards certain groups.
Strengthening negative stereotypes about specific groups.
Ignoring or silencing certain voices or key facts.
Reinforcing the views or interests of dominant groups.
Distributing false or inaccurate information about certain groups.
Exposing private matters and highlighting negative aspects for sensationalism.
Emphasizing political, economic, or religious viewpoints.
Misrepresenting facts to sway public opinion.
Objectifying women and reinforcing gender biases.
Sensationalizing violence or crime without adequate context.
I'm optimistic that symbolic violence can be minimized through:
Providing balanced and accurate event representation.
Avoiding stereotypes and prejudices.
Listening to marginalized voices.
Holding perpetrators accountable.
Ethical guidelines promotion, including sharing this article.
What you read today may not be free from "symbolic violence". Whether intentional or not, we can reduce it to the lowest level. Eliminate symbolic violence in the media. [dm]
Day Milovich,,
Webmaster, artworker, writer live in Rembang and Kota Lama Semarang Indonesia
Overblaming victims, causing long-term trauma.
Attributing irrelevant characteristics to sources.
Bullying individuals or institutions.
Emphasizing sensational and vulgar aspects.
Encouraging readers to blame victims.
Reinforcing negative stigmas against victims.
Presenting facts incompletely to alter public opinion.
Subordinating based on social, economic, gender, or racial status.
Engaging in body shaming and verbal harassment.
Stereotyping and prejudice leading to negative public perceptions.
Overblaming victims, causing long-term trauma.
Attributing irrelevant characteristics to sources.
Bullying individuals or institutions.
Emphasizing sensational and vulgar aspects.
Encouraging readers to blame victims.
Reinforcing negative stigmas against victims.
Presenting facts incompletely to alter public opinion.
Subordinating based on social, economic, gender, or racial status.
Engaging in body shaming and verbal harassment.
Stereotyping and prejudice leading to negative public perceptions.
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