The Hereditary Enemy
The Hereditary Enemy

Summary/Abstract: In many ways, Jiří Rak’s historical essay matches Hroch’s analysis. Rak, similarly as Hroch, places myths and stereotypes at the centre of his investigation. In a provocative way, the author problematizes the construction of the Germans as the eternal enemy for the Czech nation. While focusing on the late 19th and early 20th century, Rak’s essay demonstrates the persistence and even certain “usefulness” of stereotypical images – because as Rak puts it, “in the Czech national consciousness, the Germans change nothing but their uniforms.”

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