Shared Ignorance
This blog by Sherwood “Woody” Belangia is a preparation for his book on Plato’s Republic, which will be what he calls a “defective reading” of the text. By defective he means that his study of the text is not actually about the text but about his real object of interest (and, in his opinion’s, Plato’s) which is some “third” object that the text is referring to. Not the Republic itself, but whatever Plato is trying to tell us by talking about the Republic. Belangia adopts what he calls questioning desire. “Desire is always defective in that it wants what it doesn’t yet have,” he writes. This website contains a well-written glossary of key terms in mimetic theory. Visit Shared Ignorance
Association Recherches Mimétiques
A French-language group established in 2006 (with Girard himself as its President of Honor), this site is dedicated to promulgating international research into mimetic theory in the French language. It is, in our opinion, the go-to resource in French for all things related to Girardian studies. In 2008, this organization partnered with Peter Thiel’s foundation Imitatio to support its work. Visit Association Recherches Mimétiques
Mimetic Theory of René Girard and Asian Culture
The thought of Girard is beginning to infiltrate Asian countries. This is the site of Korean professor Ilkwaen Chung, for example, who have begun to explore the origins of Buddhist through the lens of Girardian theory. He asks many fascination questions like, “Is Buddha a scapegoat?” Professor Chung is perhaps the foremost Girardian scholar in South Korea, and those seeking to understand mimetic theory in Asia should explore this website, even though it doesn’t appear to have been updated in quite a while (since 2017). Visit Mimetic Theory of René Girard and Asian Culture
Mimetics: A Blog About René Girard and the Mimetic Theory
The best blog about Girard available in Brazil (a Portuguese-language blog) covering all things, including a nice description of Girard. Most South American countries have heavily Marxist strains running through the cultures, which Girardian theory can go a long way toward explaining. (Along with the West’s own self-hatred.) If that’s confusing, read on. Visit Mimetics
The Raven Foundation
The Raven Foundation was established by Keith and Suzanne Ross to advance the spread of mimetic theory in popular culture outside of academic circles. The Raven Foundation has re-branded itself with a religious bent as a welcoming place for those who don’t feel at home in any organized religion. They promote peace in religion, relationships, and contemporary culture by drawing heavily on the non-violent ethos of mimetic theory. The organization invests in media that depict mimetic theory in creative ways and partners with artists and organizations to bring Girard’s thought to more people. The Raven Foundation gives an annual Raven Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment to someone whose work creatively represents mimetic theory, making it more interesting and accessible to a broader audience. Visit The Raven Foundation
The Premier Foundation for Girard
The premier foundation for Girard in the United States, established by Peter Thiel, Girard’s most famous student at Stanford. Imitatio is made up of Girardian scholars who have a special interest in furthering biblical Girardian studies through various programs and initiatives. The premier foundation organization makes small grants to support research into Girardian studies. Imitatio’s stated goals are: Pursue research and application of mimetic theory across the social sciences and critical areas of human behavior Support the education and development of the next generation of scholars leveraging mimetic theory Further the dissemination, translation and publication of key works incorporating mimetic theory It is made up of an Advisory Board that includes René Girard, Robert Hamerton-Kelly, James Alison, Jean-Pierre Dupudy, William A Johnsen, Andrew J. McKenna, and Wolfgang Palaver. Visit Imitatio
Giardian Lectionary: Understanding the Bible Anew Through the Mimetic Theory of René Girard
One of the most comprehensive online resources for biblical studies, a website run by Paul Nuechterlein, a well-respected voice in theological circles with over 30 years of experience in ELCA congregations. This is a website that will help anyone see the scripture’s through the lens of mimetic theory. Visit Giardian Lectionary
Girard Studiekring: Dutch Girard Society
This is the website for the Girardian society in the Netherlands. This group is associated with the “Free University” in the country. The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU, VU Amsterdam, “Free University Amsterdam”) is a university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880, often ranking among the world’s top 100 universities. A group of scholars and students there have banded together to translate the work of Girard, offer conferences and events, and advance the thought of Dutch Girard Society. If you speak or read Dutch, this is your site. Visit Girard Studiekring
Girard and Comics: Reading Comics Through Mimetic Theory
Comics are a mimetic medium. BOM. BAM. POW. The actions not only activate mirror neurons, but the very structure of comic book desire is set-up in a mimetic fashion: it is set around a rivalry, which escalates until their a typically mimetic conclusion. This website is a fascinating look at the mimetic nature of comics. Whether you’re into them or not, this is an enjoyable window into the world of mimetic theory. Visit Girard and Comics
180 Rule: Examining Psychopaths Through the Lens of Girardian Theory
In a society that is filled with the evil of abuse, it is hard to understand the thinking behind this pathological behavior. Skylar, the founder of 180 Rule writes on the application of Mimetic Theory in understanding what motivates psychopaths to behave in the way that they do. He is on a mission to shed light on generational violence through a mimetic lens and the teachings of René Girard. Visit 180 Rule to learn more!