De-Europeanize

To remove or diminish European influence, characteristics, or cultural elements from a person, place, or thing. This process can encompass various aspects, including political structures, social norms, economic systems, artistic expressions, and ideological frameworks. It often involves a conscious effort to reject or modify aspects associated with Europe, embracing alternative models or returning to indigenous or previously suppressed traditions. This can be driven by nationalist sentiments, post-colonial agendas, or a desire for cultural autonomy. The goal can range from a complete dismantling of European influence to a more selective process of adaptation or indigenization.

De-Europeanize meaning with examples

• Following independence, the nation's leaders embarked on a campaign to De-Europeanize the education system. They replaced curricula that emphasized European history and literature with ones that focused on their own national narratives, striving to cultivate a distinct sense of identity amongst students. This shift was intended to counter the remnants of colonial mentalities.
• The artist deliberately chose to De-Europeanize their artistic style. They abandoned Western techniques, such as perspective and oil painting, in favor of local traditional methods like ink wash and vibrant pigments to produce pieces that reflected the unique beauty of the region, challenging the traditional art market.
• The company initiated a strategy to De-Europeanize their management structures. They replaced expatriate managers with local professionals and adapted business practices to better reflect local norms and values, hoping to foster more culturally sensitive operations and improve workplace efficiency.
• In the realm of cuisine, the movement sought to De-Europeanize traditional cooking. Chefs sought to reintroduce the use of regional ingredients and cooking techniques that had been suppressed in favor of imported European recipes, resulting in a revitalization of a lost culinary heritage.
• After the revolution, one of the primary objectives was to De-Europeanize the political landscape. This involved rewriting the constitution to reflect non-European values and implementing a new legal framework that was based on indigenous systems and local traditions.