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Utilizing research conducted by unRival Network over the past 2 years, this paper explores the importance of conversion stories for communicating mimetic theory to wider audiences. These include conversions brought about by the work of René Girard, but also broader intellectual conversions to nonviolence and/or understanding oneself as capable of scapegoating. This research surveys the testimonies of several professional peacebuilders who have experienced such conversions. It frames them with scientific insights which emphasize the importance of storytelling for reducing bias and changing minds. I ultimately argue for the “conversion story” as a paradigmatic form demanding special attention in further research. These topics should prove relevant for those interested in introducing mimetic theory to classroom settings, as well as in its application to democracy and justice.
This paper uses mimetic theory to question the arguments of philosophers and theologians regarding the human personhood of people with intellectual disabilities. Philosophers have compared people with intellectual disabilities to intelligent animals in their arguments for animal rights. Some have suggested elevating the status of intelligent animals to personhood and demoting people with severe intellectual disability to the status of non-persons. Christian theologians have attempted to define a theological anthropology that ensures the assignment of human personhood to people with intellectual disabilities. Both the philosophical and theological arguments ignore the mimetic dynamics involved in the creation of the category of intellectual disability. This paper presents evidence from Girard and other mimetic theorists showing that the status of human personhood is assumed by the category of “intellectual disability”. The paper claims that mimetic evidence can help to clarify arguments surrounding the status of human personhood of people with intellectual disabilities.
The killing of George Floyd was a traumatic cultural event that has opened up new opportunities for rethinking how police officers are trained. The mimetic theory of Rene Girard breaks down the simplistic dichotomy between the law-abiding citizens and the criminals; it enables us to see that what we call "law and order" is one of the products of the scapegoat mechanism. If new and current police officers were trained (or retrained) using principles derived from mimetic theory, they would be led into reflection on the question "Why are human beings violent?" and they could begin to develop strategies and methods that serve to transform society in the direction of greater civility, restraint, and respect for other persons. This possibility of a new approach to training may seem frightening and disruptive, but there will only be further icidents of police misconduct and more rioting if a dramatic change is not made.