Abstract
It is in the intent of this chapter to develop a basic understanding of the function and role of divisive symbols within post-violence or reconciliation settings. Whether these symbols are flags, ethnic labels, commemorations, or other social representations, they serve as a way for members of a society to both communicate heritage and socially connect with other members of a group—both past and present. In analyzing the conflict, understanding these divisive symbols can be of critical importance due to the emotional responses that these symbols elicit. Given this strong response, one can conclude that these symbols are similar to what Volkan (2006) refers to as a “hot place” or a “physical location that individually and collectively induces (or reinduces) immediate and intense feelings among members of an ethnic or other large group” (p. 137). These emotions can lead to some members of the culture being filled with a sense of pride and connection with their social group, while at the same time these symbols can create strong feelings of oppression or even hatred among others.
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DeZalia, R.A.P., Moeschberger, S.L. (2014). The Function of Symbols that Bind and Divide. In: Moeschberger, S., Phillips DeZalia, R. (eds) Symbols that Bind, Symbols that Divide. Peace Psychology Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05464-3_1
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