Immigrants Eating Cats and Dogs: A Primer on Atrocity Literature
Atrocity literature is the go-to propaganda tool of White Empire (the West)
What is Atrocity Literature?
Atrocity literature, a strategic form of writing that exaggerates or invents horrific acts to serve political or colonial agendas, has deep roots in the Western imperialist history. Initially designed to justify the subjugation of Indigenous populations, atrocity literature continues to persist in modern political discourse. Today, it is used to demonize minority groups and justify restrictive policies. Let’s explore its origins in colonialism, its ties to doctrines like Manifest Destiny and papal bulls, and how similar narratives are invoked in contemporary U.S. politics and global geopolitics, specifically against countries like India.
Colonial Origins of Atrocity Literature.
Atrocity literature can trace its roots back to the age of European colonization. European powers, particularly the British, Spanish, and Portuguese, constructed narratives about indigenous populations to justify the theft of land, resources, and cultural erasure. This literature served to depict native peoples as “savages,” inherently immoral and incapable of self-governance.
Papal Bulls and the Doctrine of Discovery
A significant precursor to atrocity literature is found in the papal bulls of the 15th century, particularly Dum Diversas (1452) and Romanus Pontifex (1455), which endorsed the subjugation of non-Christian populations by labeling them as infidels. These papal edicts granted European Christian rulers the right to conquer indigenous lands and enslave their peoples under the justification of spreading Christianity. The natives, labeled as “barbarians” and “savages,” were stripped of their humanity in the eyes of colonizers, providing the moral and religious cover necessary to pursue imperial expansion.
Manifest Destiny and Racial Superiority
By the 19th century, the doctrine of Manifest Destiny took this idea further in the American context, asserting that it was the divine right of white Americans to expand across the continent. Native Americans were depicted as subhuman obstacles to progress, whose removal was justified for the greater good of the “civilized” world. These narratives, propagated through books, pamphlets, and newspapers, emphasized the supposed barbarity of indigenous peoples – such as claims of cannibalism, infanticide, and sexual immorality – to paint them as uncivilized savages.
The Continuation of Atrocity Literature in Modern U.S. Politics.
Atrocity literature didn’t die with the fall of colonial empires; instead, it evolved into a tool for xenophobic and racist policies in the modern era. Today, this tactic is most clearly seen in the demonization of illegal immigrants, particularly from Latin America, in U.S. political discourse.
Immigrants as Criminals: A Narrative of Fear
In recent years, U.S. political figures have frequently resorted to atrocity literature when discussing illegal immigration. Immigrants, particularly from Mexico and Central America, are often portrayed as violent criminals, rapists, and drug traffickers. These depictions echo the colonial tactic of dehumanizing indigenous peoples to justify violence and displacement. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric of Mexican immigrants as “criminals” and “rapists” illustrates how atrocity narratives are weaponized to build support for anti-immigration policies like the construction of a border wall and the separation of families.
This demonization has reached absurd heights, with accusations that immigrants are engaging in bizarre or morally repugnant acts, such as the false claim brought up during this week’s US presidential debate that immigrants were eating dogs, cats, and other domestic pets. This reflects the age-old colonial impulse to depict the “Other” as not just inferior but as barbaric and inhumane.
Atrocity Literature and Global Geopolitics: India as the “Rape Capital”
Atrocity literature is not confined to domestic politics; it plays a significant role in shaping international perceptions as well. India, for example, has often been portrayed in global media as the “rape capital of the world.” While gender-based violence is a serious issue, such depictions are often exaggerated or isolated from broader context, failing to acknowledge similar or even worse statistics in other countries. This framing serves not only to denigrate Indian society but also to reinforce Western superiority by painting non-Western societies as inherently violent or backward.
These exaggerated portrayals perpetuate the same colonial narratives of the past – where non-Western civilizations are depicted as fundamentally flawed and uncivilized. This serves to undermine India’s global standing and reinforces the notion that non-Western countries are incapable of governance and development without Western intervention or oversight.
The Political Function of Atrocity Literature
At its core, atrocity literature functions as a tool for the dehumanization of targeted groups or nations. It creates a moral dichotomy between the “civilized” and the “barbaric,” which, in turn, justifies the enactment of policies that might otherwise be seen as inhumane or unjust.
In U.S. politics, the demonization of immigrants as violent criminals justifies harsher immigration policies, including deportations, family separations, and militarized border enforcement. Similarly, international portrayals of India as a haven of gender-based violence serve to weaken the country’s international standing and maintain Western cultural dominance.
Critical Thinking
Atrocity literature is a colonial relic that persists in modern politics. Whether it is used to justify the genocide and displacement of indigenous peoples, as it was during European colonization, or to demonize immigrants and non-Western nations today, its purpose remains the same: to dehumanize and delegitimize. Understanding its historical roots helps us see through the false narratives used to justify oppressive policies and offers a path toward a more humane and just global society. Recognizing atrocity literature for what it is – a tool of propaganda – reminds us to approach political rhetoric critically and to seek out the broader, more nuanced truths behind these often exaggerated or fabricated claims.
