"Myths and stereotypes of nationalism and communism in the area of the former Yugoslavia"
The scientific meeting “Myths and stereotypes of nationalism and communism in the territory of the former Yugoslavia” was held in Novi Sad. CHDR brought together historians and political scientists from Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Prof. Dr. Darko Gavrilović in his introductory speech pointed out the need to gather scientists from the region. He emphasized the importance of discussions and reaching common conclusions in order to demystify the past. This helps us to understand and overcome the stereotypes that arose from nationalist and communist ideology in these areas.
Dr. Igor Graovac , a historian from Zagreb, spoke about the stereotypical opinion when it comes to the problem of war victims. Dr. Graovac believes that it is necessary to define exactly what a victim is and make a clear distinction between a victim and a sufferer. He defined the victims as civilians who did not actively participate in the war, while he called the victims active participants in the conflict who also have their own responsibility. Existing stereotypes also overemphasize the victims of their own belligerent side, while downplaying the victims of the opposing side. Political resistance to the true establishment of facts, as well as political abuses of victims from the Second World War still exist today. Dr. Graovac pointed out the need to form a regional network for investigating the problems of victims.
Dr. Ranka Gašić , a historian from Belgrade, spoke about the Serbian stereotypes about the Germans, as a great neighbor in the West, which are very complex and contradictory due to the long life in the neighborhood and the war experience. She pointed out the need to study this stereotype because of its importance for the image of Europe and the European Union in today’s political moment.
Dr. Zoran Jevtović , a political scientist from Belgrade, spoke about the myths about Serbia that existed in the past, but still exist today, among its neighbors and great powers.
Dr. Adnan Jahić , a historian from Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke about stereotypes in understanding the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the interwar period. He appealed for greater caution in making judgments when it comes to the history of this period in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dr. Vjekoslav Perica , a historian from Croatia, spoke about churches in Serbia and Croatia as architects of myths. Dr. Perica presented the thesis that the national churches in these countries are at the same time state-building. He advocated a dialogue that could overcome ethnic nationalism in the sphere of religion.
Prof. Dr. Ljubodrag Dimić , a historian from Belgrade, proposed to approach the impartial study of historical sources. Their unbiased analysis of historical sources is necessary. After the analysis, start publishing the sources so that they become a guide for younger generations of historians.
Prof. Dr. Darko Gavrilović claimed that the creators of myths offer seductive ideas about the greatness of their own people. In this way, they easily find their way to ordinary readers. He suggested that because of this, professional historians should approach the writing of scientific popular literature that would more easily find its way to the public. This would reduce the space for quasi-history, which produces and encourages nationalism.
Scientific papers from the conference "Myths and stereotypes of nationalism and communism in the territory of the former Yugoslavia" in PDF format:
- Ljubodrag Dimić: Where and how - Myths and knowledge about the history of Yugoslavia
- Igor Graovac: Stereotypes and myths about human losses (victims and sufferers) in wars during the 20th century. century in the territory of the former Yugoslavia
- Adnan Jahić: Some stereotypes in understanding the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina between the two world wars
- Srđan Šljukić: Myths and conflicts in the Western Balkans: an anthropological approach
- Vjeran Pavlaković: Myths and Symbols in Interwar Croatia: The Case of Matija Gubec
- Saša Marković: Integral Yugoslavism in Vojvodina - echo and party determination
- Nebojša Petrović: KPJ and the national problem in Vojvodina 1945-1950
- Natalija Jovanović: Myths and stereotypes in high school textbooks of Serbian society of the 19th century
- Zoran Jevtović: The myth of Greater Serbia - between political attitudes, religion, propaganda and nationalism
- Ljubiša Despotović: Myths and stereotypes in the function of geopolitics - Serbophobia and its sources
- Darko Gavrilović: The Myth of the Chosen People
- Janko Veselinović: Serbia's attitude towards Serbs in the surrounding area - truths and misconceptions
- Edin Radušić: People in Bosnia and Herzegovina have hated each other for centuries?! - How did it all start?
- Mile Bjelajac: Myths and stereotypes that outlived Yugoslavia
- Mira Radojević - Stereotypes about Yugoslavia
- Ranka Gašić: Serbian stereotypes about Germans and the perception of Europe
- Vjekoslav Perica: National churches of Serbs and Croats and the sacralization of the mythical past of the Second World War
