2013, No. 2 (5), Genealogies of Culture

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Anna Urbańska-Szymoszyn
Mimesis and Violence at the Basis of Girard’s Theory of How Cultural and Social Phenomena Are Shaped

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Keywords: René Girard, mimesis, mimetic crisis, scapegoat, violence, sacrificial ritual

Abstract:
In the paper, the author analyses René Girard’s approach to the notion of mimesis and cultural phenomena based on mimetic phenomena. On the basis of his publications, the author ordered Gerard’s multi-layer and sometimes manifold understanding of the phenomenon of mimesis and its treatment as one of the most important foundations of cultural and social activities. At the beginning of the paper, the author summarised the opinions of scholars regarding both Girard himself and his theories. Then, she analysed the following of Girard’s concepts: mimetic imitation, mimesis, acquisitive desire, triangle of mimetic desire, deindividuation, scandalon, model-rival, hubris, twin system, mimesis of rivalry, antagonistic mimesis, mimesis of the crowd, conciliatory mimesis, and mimetic crisis. In the next part, the author analyses the role of mimesis in the breakup of a social group and its close connection with stereotypes of persecution and scapegoating. She emphasises the connection of mimesis with culture and religion, including the system of prohibitions (taboos) and the role of the phenomenon of the sacralisation of sacrifice. Finally, the paper lists several forms (mentioned by Girard) of social protection against the mimetic crisis: the judicial system; mythology; norms; prohibitions; rituals, including the sacrificial one, as well as ritualistic frenzy and use of masks.

About Author:
URBAŃSKA-SZYMOSZYN ANNA – ethnologist, theologian, Assistant Professor in the Centre for Ethnology and Anthropology of Modernity in the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań branch.