Otherness as Intersubjective Exclusion: A Media-Language Perspective

What is this article about?

This article explains how media language and discourse play a central role in constructing otherness, reinforcing symbolic violence, social exclusion, and cultural hierarchies. Romero-Rodríguez, Civila, and Aguaded conduct a conceptual analysis based on high-impact literature from Scopus and WoS (2015–2019), applying a co-citation methodology to map academic views on otherness, its forms, consequences, and communicative expressions.

Why is it important?

This article argues that otherness is not just a cultural phenomenon, but a discursive mechanism used to legitimize exclusion and marginalization. In a world shaped by media and digital interaction, recognizing these mechanisms is key to media ethics, social inclusion, and the fight against hate speech and polarization.

Key Findings

1. Otherness as binary identity construction

• Societies build the “us” vs. “them” divide through media discourse

• Creates identity by devaluing the “Other”, who is phenotypically or ideologically different

2. Language as a tool for symbolic violence

• Media use stereotypes, metaphors, euphemisms, and dysfemisms

• Discursive polarization fosters fear, demonization, and exclusion

3. Eurocentrism shapes global discourse

• Most literature frames “otherness” from a Western and European perspective

• Promotes a hierarchical vision of culture: civilized vs. uncivilized, modern vs. other

4. The “ventriloquist effect” in media framing

• Media amplify dominant voices while silencing alternative narratives

• The “Other” becomes a symbolic threat, often racialized or politicized

Ethical Implications

• Discursive power defines belonging and fuels hate speech

• The media must be held accountable for framing biases and narrative manipulation

• Positive media literacy can help dismantle prejudiced discourses

Proposed Solutions

• Implement critical media literacy education

• Train communicators to recognize and avoid discursive violence

• Promote inclusive narratives that highlight pluralism and intercultural understanding

FAQs

Q: What is “otherness” in media studies?
A: A discursive construct where media frame individuals or groups as fundamentally different or inferior.

Q: How does language create exclusion?
A: Through metaphors, stereotypes, euphemisms, and other rhetorical tools that devalue or demonize the “Other.”

Q: Is otherness always negative?
A: Not inherently, but it often becomes negative when used to justify social hierarchy and discrimination.

Q: Can media literacy reduce exclusion?
A: Yes. It empowers individuals to identify biased messages and interpret them critically.