Published: 2020-12-29

“Hounded Wolves,” “Lost Sheep,” “Vermin” and “Poison of Hatred” – Animals in the Soviet Union Propaganda Fighting against Religion

Tomasz Bugaj Logo ORCID

Abstract

In the scientific study, the images of animals, which function in the texts, were examined. Propaganda created in the Soviet Union. They were targeted at a specific group social – people who share the view into the existence of God. Propaganda in its content referred to the Slavic folklore. Monsters, hyenas, jackals, rodents, hydras and insects serve the creators to introduce “aliens” or “enemies.” Based on the analysis of metaphors, comparisons, compounds phraseological and other means of expression are presented in a way that discredits how people are discredited, and so are the animals. Stereotypical perception of living beings, disdainful attitude towards them and prejudices had an impact on inducing certain attitudes and behaviours (anxiety, disgust, hatred) in the recipients, which in the end strengthened the process of stigmatization, discrediting and marginalisation. Soviet propaganda, using images of animals perceived as beings with much lower statutes. It has contributed to the social exclusion of religious groups and strengthened the power of stigma, that’s already been given to some living organisms.

Citation rules

Bugaj, T. (2020). “Hounded Wolves,” “Lost Sheep,” “Vermin” and “Poison of Hatred” – Animals in the Soviet Union Propaganda Fighting against Religion. Zoophilologica. Polish Journal of Animal Studies, (6), 109–123. https://doi.org/10.31261/ZOOPHILOLOGICA.2020.06.08

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No. 6 (2020)
Published: 2020-12-30


ISSN: 2719-2687
eISSN: 2451-3849
Ikona DOI 10.31261/ZOOPHILOLOGICA

Publisher
Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego | University of Silesia Press

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