enemy image
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enemy image
A highly simplified, stereotypical, and entirely negative image that one forms of a person, group, nation, or ideology as an opponent. Enemy images often serve to justify one's own actions or strengthen group cohesion.
In der Propaganda wurde gezielt ein Feindbild des Nachbarlandes aufgebaut, um den Krieg zu rechtfertigen.
In the propaganda, an enemy image of the neighboring country was deliberately built up in order to justify the war.
The word is a clear compound of 'der Feind' (the enemy) and 'das Bild' (the image/picture). So it literally means an 'image of an enemy'.
Die beiden Länder waren lange Zeit Feinde.
The two countries were enemies for a long time.
'Feindbild' (enemy image) is often combined with verbs that describe an active process of creating or using something. Common combinations are 'ein Feindbild aufbauen' (to build up an enemy image), 'ein Feindbild erzeugen' (to create an enemy image), or 'ein Feindbild pflegen' (to maintain an enemy image).
Die Regierung versuchte, ein neues Feindbild zu schaffen.
The government tried to create a new enemy image.
This word is mainly used in political, social, or historical discussions. It almost always implies that the image of the enemy is deliberately simplified and portrayed negatively, often for propaganda purposes.
Im Kalten Krieg wurden auf beiden Seiten klare Feindbilder verbreitet.
During the Cold War, clear enemy images were spread on both sides.
prejudice
'das Vorurteil' and 'das Feindbild' both describe a negative image of people or groups. A 'Vorurteil' (prejudice) is a preconceived opinion that is often based on little knowledge. It can be strong, but it does not necessarily mean that you see the other side as an opponent. A 'Feindbild' (enemy image) is stronger: a person, group, or idea is presented in a very simplified and consistently negative way as an enemy. This can be used to justify one's own actions or to hold a group together. The words can be confused because both can be unfair and negative. 'Vorurteil' is more general; 'Feindbild' is more political or combative.
Im Kurs erklärt Emma, wie Medien manchmal ein Feindbild von einer Gruppe aufbauen.
In the course, Emma explains how the media sometimes build up an enemy image of a group.
Frau Schwarz spricht in der Schule über das Vorurteil, dass Jungen besser in Technik sind.
At school, Ms. Schwarz talks about the prejudice that boys are better at technology.