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An object relations approach to studying prejudice with specific reference to anti‐semitism: the long‐term use of a lethal apocalyptic projection

An object relations approach to studying prejudice with specific reference to anti‐semitism: the... Prejudice seems to be part of the human condition. The specific prejudice of anti‐Semitism has affected Jews for at least 2300 years with, at times, horrendous consequences. What psychodynamics are operating in prejudice in general, and in the specific prejudice of antisemitism? What has caused such a small group to be targeted by such long‐standing enmity? Will prejudice or antisemitism ever end or do groups need scapegoats and do the Jewish people fit the scapegoat profile? This article reviews some of the psychodynamics as described by Freud, Klein, Fairbairn, Bion, and others that make people susceptible to fear and prejudice, and to the particular prejudice of antisemitism. Mention will be made of some of the historical, religious, and sociological dynamics that contribute to antisemitism. With reference to Object Relations theory and the Apocalyptic‐Messianic myth present in monotheistic religions, an explanation is suggested as to how prejudice and antisemitism become lethal on an individual and large‐group scale. Hitler is referred to as a specific illustration of this phenomenon. Some case examples from the writer's clinical practice are also utilized to further illustrate the psychodynamics presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies Wiley

An object relations approach to studying prejudice with specific reference to anti‐semitism: the long‐term use of a lethal apocalyptic projection

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References (14)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN
1742-3341
eISSN
1556-9187
DOI
10.1002/aps.120
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Prejudice seems to be part of the human condition. The specific prejudice of anti‐Semitism has affected Jews for at least 2300 years with, at times, horrendous consequences. What psychodynamics are operating in prejudice in general, and in the specific prejudice of antisemitism? What has caused such a small group to be targeted by such long‐standing enmity? Will prejudice or antisemitism ever end or do groups need scapegoats and do the Jewish people fit the scapegoat profile? This article reviews some of the psychodynamics as described by Freud, Klein, Fairbairn, Bion, and others that make people susceptible to fear and prejudice, and to the particular prejudice of antisemitism. Mention will be made of some of the historical, religious, and sociological dynamics that contribute to antisemitism. With reference to Object Relations theory and the Apocalyptic‐Messianic myth present in monotheistic religions, an explanation is suggested as to how prejudice and antisemitism become lethal on an individual and large‐group scale. Hitler is referred to as a specific illustration of this phenomenon. Some case examples from the writer's clinical practice are also utilized to further illustrate the psychodynamics presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Journal

International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies – Wiley

Published: Mar 1, 2007

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