The past historiography on the Boxer Rebellion was often characterized by an Orientalist perspective. Contemporary literature strives to surpass this approach, however, treating Westerners and...Show moreThe past historiography on the Boxer Rebellion was often characterized by an Orientalist perspective. Contemporary literature strives to surpass this approach, however, treating Westerners and Orientals as two different “beings” and using two measures in the analysis, reiterates the same paradigm. Focusing on Jane Elliot’s revisionist approach, this work shows the post-Orientalism stemmed from the necessity of surpassing the classic Orientalism, more subtle and devious. By comparing the Chinese and the European vision of the other, Occidentalism and Orientalism in both writings and pictorial sources (such as Boxer postcards and nianhua), a more clear and more precise vision of the events is drawn. Thus, this thesis expands the current literature on the Boxer Rebellion and displays the necessity of considering both parts in order to have a complete picture.Show less
The discourse surrounding sex work in Amsterdam has evolved, reflecting shifting approaches by municipal authorities and stakeholders. Currently, a proposal for an "erotic center" seeks to relocate...Show moreThe discourse surrounding sex work in Amsterdam has evolved, reflecting shifting approaches by municipal authorities and stakeholders. Currently, a proposal for an "erotic center" seeks to relocate sex work from the Wallen district to address issues of over-tourism and congestion. However, this proposition has ignited controversy, as sex workers voice concerns about safety, social networks, and potential workspace loss. Researchers and activists advocate for recognizing sex work as tangible heritage to preserve its history and narratives. Despite initiatives of activists and advocates to document and safeguard the sector's history through the website www.sekswerkerfgoed.nl and the Prostitution Information Center, academic exploration of sex workers' experiences and sex work heritage in the Netherlands remains limited. Narratives from sex workers of color, migrant sex workers, and marginalized voices are often overlooked. Media portrayals often perpetuate stigmatization and negative stereotypes about sex work. The life stories of Nicolina Sant and Aaïcha Bergamin, two sex workers from the 20th century, offer valuable insights into Dutch sex work. Their narratives encompass diverse perspectives, encompassing ethnic backgrounds, cultural nuances, gender, and sexuality. Incorporating these stories enriches historical research on sex work, fostering a deeper comprehension of the industry and its intersections with urban life. Using the concept of urban citizenship, which emphasizes self-identity and recognition, challenges conventional notions tied to nationhood. Sex workers' claims to citizenship impact urban planning and city politics, influencing the socio-spatial fabric of the city, and reorienting research on sex workers to focus on agency rather than victimhood. Analyzing the stories of Aaïcha and Nicolina through this lens reflects on the idea of sex work as heritage while supplying an intersectional perspective to sex work history in the Netherlands.Show less
