How Ethnocentrism Shaped the Narratives of World War 2: Examining the Impact on Post-War Societies

How Ethnocentrism Shaped the Narratives of World War II: Examining the Impact on Post-War Societies

The Second World War was one of the most significant events in human history, a global conflict that claimed millions of lives and transformed the political and economic landscape of the world. The war also had a profound impact on societal attitudes, shaping the way people viewed themselves and others. One of the most pronounced ways in which this occurred was through the lens of ethnocentrism. This article examines how ethnocentrism influenced the narratives of World War II and the impact it had on post-war societies.

Ethnocentrism can be defined as the belief that one’s own ethnic group or culture is superior to others. It manifests itself in various forms, such as stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. This way of thinking was prevalent during World War II, with each side viewing themselves as superior to the other. The Japanese, for instance, believed their empire was destined to rule Asia, while the Nazis believed that the Aryan race was superior to all other races.

These beliefs had a profound impact on the narratives of the war. Propaganda on both sides played up these ideas, depicting the enemy as inferior, inhuman, and deserving of destruction. Stereotypes and racial slurs were commonplace, with the Japanese referred to as “Japs” and the Germans as “Krauts.” Such language and imagery helped to create a binary narrative of good vs. evil, where the enemy was demonized and painted as deserving of whatever atrocities were inflicted upon them.

The impact of this way of thinking was not limited to the war itself. After the war, the victorious nations created a narrative that portrayed them as a force for good who had triumphed over evil. This narrative largely ignored the atrocities committed by their side, such as the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki or the firebombing of Dresden. Instead, the focus was on the enemy’s crimes, such as the Holocaust or the Rape of Nanking.

This narrative had a lasting impact on post-war societies. The victorious nations emerged from the war with a sense of moral superiority, which influenced their foreign policies and attitudes towards other countries. This way of thinking was exemplified by the United States, which adopted a policy of containment towards the Soviet Union and other socialist states, convinced that the American way of life was inherently superior to communism.

The impact of ethnocentrism on post-war societies was not limited to the victorious nations. The defeated nations also had to grapple with the impact of this way of thinking. In Japan, for instance, the narrative of the war shifted from one of conquest and empire-building to one of victimhood and national tragedy. This narrative was in part a response to the US-led occupation, which sought to reshape Japan’s political and economic landscape in their image. In Germany, the impact of ethnocentrism was felt in the country’s resistance to immigration and multiculturalism, as well as the enduring popularity of far-right groups such as the Alternative for Germany.

In conclusion, ethnocentrism played a prominent role in shaping the narratives of World War II, from the demonization of the enemy to the construction of a binary narrative of good vs. evil. Its impact on post-war societies was far-reaching, influencing attitudes towards foreign policy, immigration, and multiculturalism. By recognizing the impact of ethnocentrism on our perceptions and attitudes, we can work towards a more inclusive and tolerant world.

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