When Healthy Imitation Tips Over Into Violent Rivalry

Part four of a short series on mimetic theory and divine nonviolence

Photo by Randy Colas

[This is part 4 of my mini-series about mimetic theory and divine nonviolence. To start from the beginning, click here. To read part 3, click here. Stay tuned for part 5!]

Mimetic relationships can be very healthy and life-affirming. What comes to mind when I think of healthy mimetic relationships are improv comedians (improvisational jazz musicians come to mind as well, but I’m more into comedy than jazz, so I’ll stick with my metaphor here).

In any kind of improvisational art, we have two or more people partaking in an authentic piece of art while mimetically playing off of each other. In a good improv skit involving two comedians, it’s like there’s this third thing — this divine relationship — that makes them of the same mind without destroying each other’s uniqueness and authenticity. It’s incredible to see.

The same thing with a good conversation… Things are just flowing. All relational pistons are firing. The dialogue rhythm is perfect and empathy is present. It involves well-meaning laughter and sometimes tears and embraces. You learn from and support each other’s desires and find joy in what you have in common. A good conversation like this requires a…