Abstract

Difference, or “Otherness” to the dominant paradigm, has long posed a challenge to societies. Human expectations of conformity and preferences for homogeneity frequently result in the marginalization of Others, who are subjected to discriminatory thoughts, speech, and practices. Animal figures are often poster children for Otherness, utilized in philosophical discourse as the ultimate Other through and against which the human species is defined, but also used in political and social discourse to justify the allocation or withdrawal of protections and rights. The concept of the animal shows the clear ethical distinction that determines the binary value and status of life in a society. While Bios – political, discursive life – is reserved for humans and only includes those who meet the requirements for it, Zoē describes bare, bodily life – animal(istic) life – that falls outside of the realm of the qualified Bios, and the legal protection Bios offers. The figure of the animal, especially in animal stories, can help us bring Otherness into focus.

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