Hatred as Ambivalence
Niza Yanay · Theory Culture & Society · 2002
The article aims at reworking the relations between colonial discourse, hate speech and ambivalence. It explores the nature of hatred in the context of inter-group power relations, and advances the argument that hatred is an ambivalent mode of knowledge and attachment. Once that ambivalence is explicit and acknowledged in language, it can invent and invite solidarity with the needs and pains of hated others. In contrast, unacknowledged ambivalence denies the recognition of similarity which evokes feelings of solidarity within the context of historical particularity. The discussion is based on the analysis of selective scripts of hate speech by Jewish Israeli girls directed toward Palestinians. It is concluded that hatred can be changed into a positive mode of attachment, and even solidarity, if truth is bracketed within colonial discourse, ambivalence is recognized and the need to feel safe in relations is acknowledged