The Politics of Othering in the United States and Canada

This book analyses the politics of othering in the USA and Canada from the nineteenth century to the present day. It outlines the basis in human behaviour for 'disliking the unlike', which can take the form of ethnocentrism, racism and xenophobia, and shows how politicians take advantage of this human tendency. Seven case studies explore the use of political othering towards minority groups: Indigenous peoples, Jews, Japanese, those with left-wing views, LGBTQ individuals, Blacks, and Muslims. The book argues that prior to World War II, and with the significant exception of Blacks, the politics of othering was stronger in Canada than in the USA. After World War II, the situation reversed and the politics of othering was practiced more in the USA than in Canada. Lastly, the book explains how public policy and international issues prompted this change, discusses future trends in political othering, and offers ideas for promoting inclusion over othering. Allan Laine Kagedan served as the Director of National Security Operations in the Canadian public service. He has taught at McGill University and Carleton University, where he is currently a Research Affiliate Front Matter ....Pages i-v Introduction (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 1-9 What Attracts People to Othering? (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 11-26 Erasing a People: Indigenous People and Indigenous Residential Schools (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 27-43 The Politics of Anti-semitism, 1920–1940 (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 45-67 Wartime Othering: The Enemy Within (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 69-81 Cold War: Othering on the Home Front (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 83-104 The Politics of Race in the United States and Canada (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 105-124 The Maligning of Muslims (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 125-147 Conclusion (Allan Laine Kagedan)....Pages 149-159 Back Matter ....Pages 161-164