Disrespected neighbo(u)rs: cultural stereotypes in literature and film

Neighbourly relations frequently position a 'self' against an 'Other'.

This is the case for both individuals and nations, and, indeed, within the various cultural groups of a nation.

Our racial, ethnic, social or gender identities are often created in demarcating ourselves by stereotyping the Other.

Disrespect of the immediate neighbour based on stereotypical pre-conceptions and cultural biases may lie dormant for a long time and then, as shown in recent conflicts around the globe, suddenly surface due to changed economic and political conditions.

Media, including films and fictional as well as non-fictional texts, feature prominently in producing, propagating, and maintaining cultural difference and stereotypes in ideologically effective ways.