Doing my research on violent treatments of enemies and prisoners of war in New Kingdom Egypt I realized that war is closely related to hunt in both textual and visual representations, but also that gender and religion play a big role.
I explored how these ideas are reflected on the treatments of enemies and prisoners of war and realized that in relation to all of the above mentioned ideas enemies and prisoners of war can be dehumanized or feminized through these treatments. Thus, I was wondering if I am dealing here with frames in Butler's terms?
I am also researching on our war and I heard Judith Butler is a must read inorder to analyse how women were exploited during the war and in every war i suppose...may I know which article by Judith are you reading? May be after reading them I can come up with viewpoints that might be helpful for both of us....
I am referring to two of her books:
Frames of War: When Is Life Grievable?
Precarious life: the powers of mourning and violence
Thanks for sharing the names of these books...are they available on line...I want to read them...
I need to read them before I can really answer your question...I am working on a war that took place more than 40 years ago...and you are on the on going war...thanks for bringing up this question...have you come across this text? The Body in Pain by Elain Scarry? I heard it is useful for analysing war...although I haven't been able to read it...searching online for it...couldn't get accress from where I live...
Have u read Zizek's book on Violence? May be it can give you some directions on how to read your war...
Judith Butler's "Frames of War" is a book that explores the ways in which war is understood, represented, and framed within political, social, and cultural contexts. The concept of "frames" in this context refers to the discursive and symbolic structures through which war is perceived and made meaningful. In other words, it deals with the mechanisms by which societies and governments shape and communicate their understanding of war, often with significant political and ethical consequences.
Here's a breakdown of key ideas related to the concept of "frames of war" and its applicability to past wars:
- War as a Social Construct: Butler argues that war is not just a physical and geopolitical event; it is also a social construct, shaped by language, culture, and politics. It is framed and given meaning through various narratives, images, and discourses.
- Performativity of War: Butler draws on her earlier work on performativity, suggesting that war is performed through language and actions. The way we talk about and represent war can have a profound impact on how we perceive it and on the actions we take in response.
- Frames as Regulatory Mechanisms: Frames of war are not neutral; they serve as regulatory mechanisms that shape the way we respond to conflict. The framing of war can determine who is seen as a legitimate combatant, who is a civilian, and what actions are considered acceptable or unacceptable.
- Visibility and Invisibility: Butler explores how certain aspects of war are made highly visible while others are rendered invisible or forgotten. This selective framing can influence public opinion and policy decisions.
- Biopolitical Implications: The book also delves into the biopolitical aspects of framing war. How governments and societies frame war can influence who is considered grievable and whose lives are deemed expendable.
- Applicability to Past Wars: The concept of "frames of war" is highly applicable to past wars, as it helps us understand how historical conflicts were understood, justified, and represented. It allows for critical analysis of how narratives and discourses around past wars shaped public opinion, policy decisions, and the aftermath of those conflicts.
For example, one can apply this concept to World War I, where the framing of the war as a "war to end all wars" had significant implications for the post-war period and the formation of the League of Nations. Similarly, examining the framing of the Vietnam War as a struggle against communism and the Iraq War as a response to weapons of mass destruction sheds light on the political and ethical consequences of these frames.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Psychology