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In reply to the discussion: On Barbarians [View all]

Act_of_Reparation

(9,116 posts)
14. "Barbarian" is itself a term drenched in imperialism.
Tue Oct 24, 2023, 10:22 AM
Oct 2023

I'm not criticizing its use here... just making an interesting observation because as a history nerd I simply can't help myself.

In Ancient Greek, the word "barbaros" was an antonym of the word "polites" ("citizen" ), and was applied to non-Greeks to emphasize their otherness. The Romans later adopted the term, using it refer to "uncivilized" peoples... which, by Augustus' time, was everyone except Romans and Greeks.

It's similar to how Europeans and their Colonial descendants applied to the term "savage" to the indigenous peoples of the lands they colonized.

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1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

On Barbarians [View all] malaise Oct 2023 OP
Link to article? Bernardo de La Paz Oct 2023 #1
Here malaise Oct 2023 #2
Thanks. I get your point now. Rec'd. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Oct 2023 #3
You'd think these people were the aggressors malaise Oct 2023 #4
There have been, and are, barbarians within, not just at the gates. . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Oct 2023 #6
+ 1,000 n/t malaise Oct 2023 #8
Humans have been violent for thousands leftyladyfrommo Oct 2023 #5
On that we agree malaise Oct 2023 #7
it is in our genes but mopinko Oct 2023 #9
I can definitely see why that article pissed you off. No doubt. PatrickforB Oct 2023 #10
Great post malaise Oct 2023 #11
Thanks! Hey, I have a book to recommend to you. I learned as much from this as I did from PatrickforB Oct 2023 #16
Will check that one out malaise Oct 2023 #17
A La Mina No Voy (2014) - Traditional Colombian Folksong stuck in the middle Oct 2023 #12
Beautiful, haunting and oh so true malaise Oct 2023 #13
"Barbarian" is itself a term drenched in imperialism. Act_of_Reparation Oct 2023 #14
Excellent post malaise Oct 2023 #15
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