Abstract
New research on imitation is confirming cultural anthropologist René Girard's theory that mimetic behaviours shape human culture much more than we once assumed. Even desire and the passions are mimetic–people want what they see others wanting, they copy their desires–which leads to people's interests converging, to rivalry, violence and scapegoating. From the psychology of personal relationships to international politics, Girard's theory about the evolution of human culture and its maintenance applies to an increasing range of fields. This article outlines mimetic theory and its engagement with the sciences and explores some of its import for the New Zealand context, including the country's bicultural Waitangi origins and tensions, its ‘tall poppy’ syndrome and the current emphasis on the ‘innovation economy’.
Published Version
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