This thesis discusses nationalism in modern Kyrgyzstan by analyzing the film Kurmanjan Datja (2014). Since Kyrgyzstan’s independence in the early 1990s the government has attempted to create a...Show moreThis thesis discusses nationalism in modern Kyrgyzstan by analyzing the film Kurmanjan Datja (2014). Since Kyrgyzstan’s independence in the early 1990s the government has attempted to create a general sense of belonging and unity among the ethnically varied people of Kyrgzstan. The film Kurmanjan Datka was one of the projects aimed to do so. The state sponsored film tells the romanticized story of heroine Kurmanjan who unites the 40 Kyrgyz tribes in resistance to the Russian expansion into Central Asia. In this thesis, the film is connected to nationalism, nation building and the ways in which the Kyrgyz government attempts to shape its history, culture and traditions.Show less
Teboul, Léo-Paul Ned Alfred Marc Eli François 2018
How is the postcolonial subject's identity formed, in a nation which in addition to being postcolonial also happens to be postwar. The importance in bridging both the fields of Post-colonialism and...Show moreHow is the postcolonial subject's identity formed, in a nation which in addition to being postcolonial also happens to be postwar. The importance in bridging both the fields of Post-colonialism and Memory studies, is crucial to further understand the identity creation processes in Latin America. The case of Guatemala, and its 36 years long raging Civil War,has provided informants that were interviewed in order to shade a light onto their truths, and further our understanding of the identity of the postcolonial subject.Show less
This thesis aims at understanding in which ways humour and satire affect German identity and trauma in relation to the Holocaust. Using three different films as case studies I show that one shouldn...Show moreThis thesis aims at understanding in which ways humour and satire affect German identity and trauma in relation to the Holocaust. Using three different films as case studies I show that one shouldn't worry about the normalisation through the use of satire but that it serves as a coping mechanism and a tool "work through" the trauma.The increase use of humour, I argue, is a symptom of resistance against the current approach to Holocaust education in Germany and helps challenge certain views of the past.Show less
This thesis asks how Kurdish nationalist political parties in Iraqi-Kurdistan have attempted to construct and develop national identifications since 1991. It aims to show that the KDP and PUK have...Show moreThis thesis asks how Kurdish nationalist political parties in Iraqi-Kurdistan have attempted to construct and develop national identifications since 1991. It aims to show that the KDP and PUK have relegated the importance of primordial attachments in their attempts at building a “nation” and, instead, endeavoured to construct “Kurdistani” national identifications primarily founded on a sense of common history and civic rights. This thesis argues that such a construction is primarily grounded in political pragmatism. The ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq requires non-primordial identity markers to be formulated and promoted by the KDP and PUK to define their national identification and distinguish the Kurds of the KRG from “others”, thereby supporting claims for political autonomy. It is political calculations – both at the domestic and international levels – that have influenced top-down constructions of a “Kurdish nation” as distinct from two specific political “others”: i) Iraq under Baghdad’s government; and ii) Kurdish groups in Turkey, Iran and Syria. This was particularly crucial in the period following the 2003 US-led invasion, when Iraq began its transition from dictatorship to federal democracy, reinforcing KDP and PUK hegemony over the Kurdistan Region. Throughout this thesis, I highlight how KDP and PUK narratives of victimhood have underpinned the construction of Baghdad as the “unjust” and “threatening” other, whereas emphasis on civic values as allegedly embedded in the “Kurdistani identity” have distinguished them from other Kurds, in order to enhance relations with neighbouring states such as Turkey and Iran, and influential state actors such as the USA and EU members.Show less
Poetry is an important tool through which Palestinians can express their national-political identity. Palestinian poetry is part of a greater tradition of Arabic poetry throughout history. In this...Show morePoetry is an important tool through which Palestinians can express their national-political identity. Palestinian poetry is part of a greater tradition of Arabic poetry throughout history. In this case, the Arabic language is key in connecting different nation states in the Arab world. Hence, Palestinian Arabic poetry reinforces the Arab identity of the Palestinian people. Another way in which poetry affects the identity of Palestinians, is in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This juxtaposition makes clear the distinct political nature Palestinian poetry can have. This research paper aims to answer in what ways poetry is used to express and reproduce the Palestinian political identity. It focuses on both aspects of the Arab identity and the Israel-Palestine conflict, set to a framework of significant historical events.Show less
A case study on the influence of cultural heritage, identity, and tourism on the websites for two museums related to cultural heritage. Focusing on the presentation of heritage on the websites and...Show moreA case study on the influence of cultural heritage, identity, and tourism on the websites for two museums related to cultural heritage. Focusing on the presentation of heritage on the websites and the creation of an image for tourism.Show less
This thesis examines the contradictions at the heart of Malaysia's national narrative, where the perception of a unified national Malaysian identity conflicts with such institutional ethnic-based...Show moreThis thesis examines the contradictions at the heart of Malaysia's national narrative, where the perception of a unified national Malaysian identity conflicts with such institutional ethnic-based laws and rights as exemplified by the NEP. It investigates if the possibility of middle class affiliation, as illustrated by the Bersih movement, offers an alternative way of imagining Malaysian identity that transcends persistent ethno-religious classifications, moving towards a sense of universal, inclusive citizenship.Show less
Propaganda exists in many shapes and sizes: pamphlets, stories in newspapers and magazines, film, leaflets or speeches on the radio. Around the world, this type of psychological warfare has been...Show morePropaganda exists in many shapes and sizes: pamphlets, stories in newspapers and magazines, film, leaflets or speeches on the radio. Around the world, this type of psychological warfare has been used to convince the enemy that their cause is lost and the home front that they are on the winning side.The same was the case in Southeast Asia during the Asia-Pacific War, where Japan propagated a Great East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. For this thesis I will examine Japanese propaganda in Indonesia and - more specifically - if this propaganda has developed or contributed to Indonesian national consciousness.Show less
This thesis analysis how the Hong Kong identity is constructed in the film 'Ten Years', by means of a discourse analysis. Since the handover of sovereignty, Hong Kong is no longer part of the...Show moreThis thesis analysis how the Hong Kong identity is constructed in the film 'Ten Years', by means of a discourse analysis. Since the handover of sovereignty, Hong Kong is no longer part of the British Empire, but instead is part of China. Great Britain influenced Hong Kong during the colonial period, and the film depicts that as different from Mainland China.Show less
The thesis has sought to shed light into the relationship between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel through the lenses of the Brazilian Jewish community. Due to the fact that it holds the largest...Show moreThe thesis has sought to shed light into the relationship between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel through the lenses of the Brazilian Jewish community. Due to the fact that it holds the largest Jewish population of Brazil and hosts numerous prominent Jewish organisations, the state of São Paulo was chosen as the case study of the research. Based on the analysis of publications and websites of those institutions and, mainly, of interviews with the most important leaders of the Jewish organisations in São Paulo, the author has tried to bring to the fore their chief activities concerning Israel. Furthermore, the conduction of semi-structured interviews enabled the identification of attitudes and perceptions of the main Jewish Brazilian leaders towards Israel, as well as their role as members of a significant Jewish Diaspora. Central political issues that affect Israel, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, were also analysed by the leaders of the most prominent Jewish institutions. The relevance of the research lies in the fact that it touches upon issues of long-distance nationalism, collective identity and Diaspora politics from a standpoint that is not sufficiently explored by the contemporary academia.Show less
In present-day America, the issue of whether or not Arab immigrants and communities will assimilate into mainstream American culture is at the forefront of political discussions and media...Show moreIn present-day America, the issue of whether or not Arab immigrants and communities will assimilate into mainstream American culture is at the forefront of political discussions and media presentations. By using the school setting of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan—where the student population consists of 95% Arabs of American descent (ArDs) and 90% Muslims—to analyze identity formation in terms of Americanism, ethnicity/race, gender, and religion, the answer to this encompassing question begins to be understood. Using interviews and participant observation, this study analyzes the complexity of an Arab-American identity within a post-9/11 America, drawing attention to the intricacies of how ArDs identify specific attributes, actions, and values and how the school communities shapes these in this post-9/11 era. From this information, I analyzed how Fordson acts both actively and passively to influence the identities of its students and staff.Show less
In this thesis the author examines the attitudes of the Singaporean government and societal groupings towards Singlish. By assessing the change in the predominant themes explicated in the...Show moreIn this thesis the author examines the attitudes of the Singaporean government and societal groupings towards Singlish. By assessing the change in the predominant themes explicated in the government’s stance towards Singlish, as well as the main themes present in the societal representation of Singlish amongst both the establishment leaning and non-establishment leaning sectors of society, the author attempts to ascertain whether Singaporean government policy regarding Singlish is at odds with the societal attitudes towards Singlish. Additionally, this thesis seeks to determine whether there is a divide within Singaporean society regarding Singlish. In order to do this the author uses thematic analysis of three main forms of sources, namely governmental speeches, letters to editor in the Straits Times online newspaper and user-generated content posted on YouTube. This thesis concludes that Singaporean government policy has changed regarding Singlish, becoming much less aggressive in its demotion of the dialect. The thesis also finds that there is a divide between the attitudes expressed in the traditional media and YouTube, with views on YouTube being decidedly more pro-Singlish in outlook. Indeed, this thesis also finds that young Singaporeans view Singlish as integral to identity construction and government attempts to demote the use of Singlish as misguided. These findings have implications more generally for the traditionally invasive style of governance adopted by the Singaporean government.Show less
This research analyzes the experiences of transnational identity formation by Cuban-American migrant generations, cohorts and waves living in Miami, as well their cultural behaviours in Miami. The...Show moreThis research analyzes the experiences of transnational identity formation by Cuban-American migrant generations, cohorts and waves living in Miami, as well their cultural behaviours in Miami. The research is framed with reference to historical and contemporary contexts of the bilateral relations between Cuba and the United States.Show less
This thesis explores the relation between radio and identity politics in the Dutch East Indies (1927-1942). Although Indies radio in this early period is often dismissed as somewhat inconsequential...Show moreThis thesis explores the relation between radio and identity politics in the Dutch East Indies (1927-1942). Although Indies radio in this early period is often dismissed as somewhat inconsequential or apolitical, this study argues that a better look at its cultural registers and the motives behind its development betray a significant relation between Indies radio stations and colonial identity politics. Whether it was the PHOHI, which was developed to strengthen Dutch identity and authority, the NIROM, which strongly segmented between eastern and western audiences, or the eastern stations, founded in reaction to the severe underrepresentation of eastern cultures, almost all stations were involved in the segmentation of Indies society. Although such segmentation might have affirmed the ‘rule of colonial difference’ and thereby strengthened colonial rule, this study argues that any such effect would have been weakened by the increasing number of audiences with hybrid identities, as these undermined the categories of colonial hierarchy. Meanwhile radio continued to catalyse the polarization of eastern and western identities, weakening the cohesion and stability of Indies society.Show less
The author researches the extensive and fast moving changes in Taiwan politics and society in the period 2004 – 2013, the period that he lived and worked as an expatriate in Taipei. This through a...Show moreThe author researches the extensive and fast moving changes in Taiwan politics and society in the period 2004 – 2013, the period that he lived and worked as an expatriate in Taipei. This through a critical approach to Taiwan’s heritage. At the start of the period under review, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was in power for the first time since its founding in 1986 at the end of Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) led marshal law period. In 2008 the KMT regained the government, providing for a unique insight in the practical implications of their ideological differences. Two interrelated issues dominate Taiwan’s politics, and with this Taiwan’s society. Externally this is the standoff between Taiwan and the PRC, internally it is the sharp divide within Taiwan’s society on many issues, explicit in the rivalry between the two main political parties. At the heart of these issues lies defining the Taiwanese identity. The PRC’s claim is based on Taiwan’s Chineseness, on Taiwan being an integrated part of China’s history and culture. Internally, the KMT and DPP carry the discussion on Chineseness or Taiwaneseness through to the extent that the public debate is immersed in the issue of identity. The ultimate question however is whether history and cultural heritage is the right approach to determine sameness or otherness. The author concludes this is not the case.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Film- en literatuurwetenschap (BA)
open access
2017-02-22T00:00:00Z
The narrative of superhero stories is key to understanding why superhero movies became so popular after 9/11. What qualifications do you need to become a superhero and what are key elements for...Show moreThe narrative of superhero stories is key to understanding why superhero movies became so popular after 9/11. What qualifications do you need to become a superhero and what are key elements for their stories. This model of the superhero narrative, eventhough it applies to all superheroes, leaves room for diversity amongst them. Batman and Spider-Man, both without a doubt famous superheroes, could be seen as opposites in terms of their completion of the superhero narrative. Especially the way in which they portray the multiple identities of the superhero and the alter ego. The moral dilemmas arising from the plural identity complex make superhero movies interesting in times of social and political turmoil.Show less
One of the most important actors in Middle Eastern politics today is the Islamic Republic of Iran. This country has been the subject of much controversy over the past years, partly due to the fact...Show moreOne of the most important actors in Middle Eastern politics today is the Islamic Republic of Iran. This country has been the subject of much controversy over the past years, partly due to the fact that it is the only state in the world that officially bases its domestic policy and legal system on Shi’a Islam. However, the extent to which Shi’ism influences Iran’s foreign policy has been disputed. It has been argued by some that Iran’s behaviour on the international arena has more to do with political and economic interests than with defending their religion; others have claimed that, on the contrary, some of the country’s actions cannot be explained without taking into account the influence of the Shi’a identity. One situation that has been explained from both perspectives is Iran’s decision to support Armenia, rather than their Shi’ite neighbour Azerbaijan, in the Nagorno-Karabakh war of 1988-1994. This conflict presents an interesting case study in the question of the influence of Shi’ism on Iran’s foreign policy. Some have claimed that Iran’s support of Armenia aligned perfectly with the Shi’a ideology of supporting and uplifting the oppressed, viewing Azerbaijan as the aggressor in the situation, rather than a fellow Shi’ite ally. At the same time, it is undeniable that Iran’s partnership with Armenia has provided and continues to provide economic benefits to both states. As such, the question arises: to what extent did the Iranian regime’s Shia identity influence the country’s decision to support Armenia, rather than Azerbaijan, in the Nagorno-Karabakh war?Show less
For centuries, Japan has shown its aptitude in selecting and accumulating certain preferential and beneficial aspects of foreign cultures and influences, with the purpose of enriching Japanese...Show moreFor centuries, Japan has shown its aptitude in selecting and accumulating certain preferential and beneficial aspects of foreign cultures and influences, with the purpose of enriching Japanese society. A big number of foreign cultural artefacts have managed to establish themselves as an inherent part of Japanese identity. One of the most intrinsic foreign influences on the Japanese culture is the introduction of the English language, which has found its place in many of the cultural domains, to the point of becoming an inherent part of them. As such, this thesis was able to analyse a brief selection of these. Firstly, the Japanese language is analysed to show how English has become a part of it, through loanwords and breaking taboos. Second, this paper examines the influence and usage of the English language in Japanese commercial media, with a focus on ornamentalism and storefronts. Lastly, Japanese cultural identity is researched through the case studies of both mixed race Japanese and Japanese subcultures. In the end, this paper is able to prove an inherentness of the English language in the Japanese language, Japanese commercial media and Japanese identity.Show less
Using the premise set forth by Roland Barthes that “food signifies,” this thesis analyzes immigrant fiction and how diasporized peoples construct and perform their identities along class, gender,...Show moreUsing the premise set forth by Roland Barthes that “food signifies,” this thesis analyzes immigrant fiction and how diasporized peoples construct and perform their identities along class, gender, and ethnic lines. The first chapter unpacks and presents food culture theory as a meaningful tool to analyze works of literature. The subsequent two chapters apply food culture theory and its role in identity production through a close reading of T.C. Boyle’s novel The Tortilla Curtain (1995) and Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story collection Unaccustomed Earth (2013). In both, food behavior of the migrants exemplifies the ongoing vacillation between the desire for assimilation and rejection of the host culture. Moreover, the various foodways presented in the works show how food consumption can signify a divide or exemplify a struggle to reconcile public and private identities.Show less
