Conceptual Metamorphosis: The Journey of ‘Sacrifice Zones’ and ‘Wastelands.’

Abstract

Language, words, and concepts are not static and instead are transferable and flexible in their use and meaning. The development of a concept is influenced by many factors including the social, political, and regional origin of the concept as well as the application of concepts to social justice movement and scholarly use. Two analytical concepts ‘Sacrifice Zones’ and ‘Wastelanding’ are examples of concepts that have been shaped by their varied use, across time, borders, and political landscapes. This thesis will comparatively explore the origin, development, and use of two analytical concepts: ‘Sacrifice Zones’ and ‘Wastelanding.’ The notion of ‘Sacrifice Zones’ stems from America whereby areas of land destroyed by livestock use were referred to as ‘sacrifice areas.’ The ‘wasteland’ concept is first used in the Bible, describing a moral purgatory to test one’s godly devotion. The use and application of these concepts has developed significantly in the last century and are now used primarily in reference to the sacrifice of minority, local and Indigenous communities as well as the parallel sacrifice of the land belonging to these groups. It is the development of meaning and application that this thesis will address. This thesis will pose questions such as: “How do these two concepts differ and how are these concepts similar?” and “Are there geographical differences between the use and understanding of these two terms?” and “What terms do Indigenous scholars use and why?” The answer to these questions may help in understanding why these concepts are used worldwide to refer to the destruction and the sacrifice of local, minority and Indigenous communities and their land. Language has significant power, thus a better understanding of ‘Sacrifice Zones’ and ‘Wastelanding’ will encourage an informed and conscious use of these concepts.