Debarbarization

/ˌdiːbɑːrbərɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of removing barbaric or primitive qualities from a culture or society through civilization and refinement.

Etymology

From prefix de- + barbarization (the state of becoming barbaric). This term combines de- with barbarian (from Latin barbarus, meaning foreign or uncivilized) plus -ization (process noun suffix).

Kelly Says

This word reeks of colonial attitudes—18th and 19th-century Europeans used 'debarbarization' to justify 'civilizing' other cultures, which reflected their biased view that European ways were the only acceptable standard of civilization.

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