Yash Pal Ghai
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246465
- eISBN:
- 9780191600135
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246467.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Examines and compares three constitutional mechanisms for the political recognition of ethnic minorities and their potential to ameliorate or aggravate ethnic tensions—communal representation through ...
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Examines and compares three constitutional mechanisms for the political recognition of ethnic minorities and their potential to ameliorate or aggravate ethnic tensions—communal representation through the electoral process (with examples from Cyprus, India, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, and Fiji), territorial autonomy through asymmetric federalism, and cultural autonomy.Less
Examines and compares three constitutional mechanisms for the political recognition of ethnic minorities and their potential to ameliorate or aggravate ethnic tensions—communal representation through the electoral process (with examples from Cyprus, India, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, and Fiji), territorial autonomy through asymmetric federalism, and cultural autonomy.
Jeffrey C. Alexander and Philip Smith
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195160840
- eISBN:
- 9780199944156
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195160840.003.0011
- Subject:
- Sociology, Culture
This chapter evaluates the competing models or understandings of culture currently available to social theory using the concept of cultural autonomy. It highlights the fundamental flaws that ...
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This chapter evaluates the competing models or understandings of culture currently available to social theory using the concept of cultural autonomy. It highlights the fundamental flaws that characterize most of these models and proposes an alternative approach that can be broadly understood as a kind of structural hermeneutics. It explains that structuralism and hermeneutics can be made into fine bedfellows because the former offers possibilities for general theory construction, prediction, and assertions of the autonomy of culture while the latter allows analysis to capture the texture and temper of social life.Less
This chapter evaluates the competing models or understandings of culture currently available to social theory using the concept of cultural autonomy. It highlights the fundamental flaws that characterize most of these models and proposes an alternative approach that can be broadly understood as a kind of structural hermeneutics. It explains that structuralism and hermeneutics can be made into fine bedfellows because the former offers possibilities for general theory construction, prediction, and assertions of the autonomy of culture while the latter allows analysis to capture the texture and temper of social life.
Markku Suksi
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198746669
- eISBN:
- 9780191808944
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198746669.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Comparative Law
Three institutional forms of non-territorial autonomy (NTA) are presented as possible mechanisms of governance: personal autonomy, functional autonomy, and national cultural autonomy. National ...
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Three institutional forms of non-territorial autonomy (NTA) are presented as possible mechanisms of governance: personal autonomy, functional autonomy, and national cultural autonomy. National cultural autonomy is singled out for a more detailed study against the backdrop of Bauer and Renner’s theories, looking particularly at Estonia, Finland, and Serbia. Because territorial autonomy is clearly more common as a form of organization, different non-territorial forms of autonomy have remained in the sidelines. The need to tailor-make each solution means that setting up non-territorial forms of autonomy is probably perceived as difficult, complex, and arduous. Therefore, and somewhat unjustifiably, the category of NTA is commonly populated by examples of national cultural autonomy. If NTA is set up, such institutions should not become vehicles of symbolism and of façade participation, but be tasked with realistic functions and the necessary public power for the promotion of, inter alia, the linguistic rights of minorities.Less
Three institutional forms of non-territorial autonomy (NTA) are presented as possible mechanisms of governance: personal autonomy, functional autonomy, and national cultural autonomy. National cultural autonomy is singled out for a more detailed study against the backdrop of Bauer and Renner’s theories, looking particularly at Estonia, Finland, and Serbia. Because territorial autonomy is clearly more common as a form of organization, different non-territorial forms of autonomy have remained in the sidelines. The need to tailor-make each solution means that setting up non-territorial forms of autonomy is probably perceived as difficult, complex, and arduous. Therefore, and somewhat unjustifiably, the category of NTA is commonly populated by examples of national cultural autonomy. If NTA is set up, such institutions should not become vehicles of symbolism and of façade participation, but be tasked with realistic functions and the necessary public power for the promotion of, inter alia, the linguistic rights of minorities.
Vadim Poleshchuk
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198738459
- eISBN:
- 9780191801747
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198738459.003.0012
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Comparative Law
Estonia has implemented the principles of national cultural autonomy in the interwar period and after 1991, that is, when its independence was regained. Cultural autonomy laws of 1925 and 1993 are ...
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Estonia has implemented the principles of national cultural autonomy in the interwar period and after 1991, that is, when its independence was regained. Cultural autonomy laws of 1925 and 1993 are different, especially as regards control over public education in minority languages. Cultural autonomies in pre-war Estonia led to or preserved self-segregation of Jewish and German minorities. Nowadays the autonomy concept seems to belong to the domain of symbolic rather than instrumental policies in Estonia. Cultural autonomy as a specific self-organization of minorities fits in with the idea of nation-state based on genuine ethnic nationalism. Autonomies have been founded by local Swedes and Ingrian Finns but not Russians. The creation of a single representative body for a heterogeneous minority group is hardly feasible. Furthermore, there are fears that cultural autonomy might be used for mobilization in Estonia of the largest Russian minority group.Less
Estonia has implemented the principles of national cultural autonomy in the interwar period and after 1991, that is, when its independence was regained. Cultural autonomy laws of 1925 and 1993 are different, especially as regards control over public education in minority languages. Cultural autonomies in pre-war Estonia led to or preserved self-segregation of Jewish and German minorities. Nowadays the autonomy concept seems to belong to the domain of symbolic rather than instrumental policies in Estonia. Cultural autonomy as a specific self-organization of minorities fits in with the idea of nation-state based on genuine ethnic nationalism. Autonomies have been founded by local Swedes and Ingrian Finns but not Russians. The creation of a single representative body for a heterogeneous minority group is hardly feasible. Furthermore, there are fears that cultural autonomy might be used for mobilization in Estonia of the largest Russian minority group.
David Smilde
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199938629
- eISBN:
- 9780199980758
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199938629.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter explores the issue of cultural autonomy as it relates to our portrayals of religion. First, it looks at the recent move toward a more robust view of religion and culture. Then it ...
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This chapter explores the issue of cultural autonomy as it relates to our portrayals of religion. First, it looks at the recent move toward a more robust view of religion and culture. Then it considers at some of the critiques of the idea of cultural autonomy that have taken place over the last few decades. Finally, it reviews some alternatives for understanding the causal impact of religious culture.Less
This chapter explores the issue of cultural autonomy as it relates to our portrayals of religion. First, it looks at the recent move toward a more robust view of religion and culture. Then it considers at some of the critiques of the idea of cultural autonomy that have taken place over the last few decades. Finally, it reviews some alternatives for understanding the causal impact of religious culture.
Alexander Osipov
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198738459
- eISBN:
- 9780191801747
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198738459.003.0011
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Comparative Law
This chapter addresses non-territorial autonomy (NTA) as a mode of framing ethnic relations; respectively ‘policies of NTA’ are regarded as top-down arrangements which are designed for the ...
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This chapter addresses non-territorial autonomy (NTA) as a mode of framing ethnic relations; respectively ‘policies of NTA’ are regarded as top-down arrangements which are designed for the accommodation and facilitation of collective activities pursued on behalf of identity-based groups and which imply special treatment of certain activities and organizations. The chapter analyses the post-Soviet official policies which rest on the idea of symbolic and instrumental treatment of ethnic groups as cohesive social entities possessing distinct identities, interests, will, and rights. Three types of arrangements, namely, cultural autonomy, mono-ethnic elected representative bodies, and multi-ethnic representative ‘assemblies of peoples’, fit into this framework. The chapter concludes that although these set-ups basically perform functions of symbolic participation in public life and are regulated by informal rules, they turn out to be efficient in terms of shaping public agendas and satisfying aspirations of ethnic activists and the general public.Less
This chapter addresses non-territorial autonomy (NTA) as a mode of framing ethnic relations; respectively ‘policies of NTA’ are regarded as top-down arrangements which are designed for the accommodation and facilitation of collective activities pursued on behalf of identity-based groups and which imply special treatment of certain activities and organizations. The chapter analyses the post-Soviet official policies which rest on the idea of symbolic and instrumental treatment of ethnic groups as cohesive social entities possessing distinct identities, interests, will, and rights. Three types of arrangements, namely, cultural autonomy, mono-ethnic elected representative bodies, and multi-ethnic representative ‘assemblies of peoples’, fit into this framework. The chapter concludes that although these set-ups basically perform functions of symbolic participation in public life and are regulated by informal rules, they turn out to be efficient in terms of shaping public agendas and satisfying aspirations of ethnic activists and the general public.
Antonija Petričušić
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198738459
- eISBN:
- 9780191801747
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198738459.003.0004
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Comparative Law
This chapter explores mechanisms of realization of national minority cultural autonomy in Croatia that do not bear the traits of a conventional non-territorial autonomy. The competences for ...
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This chapter explores mechanisms of realization of national minority cultural autonomy in Croatia that do not bear the traits of a conventional non-territorial autonomy. The competences for realization of cultural autonomy in this country are principally split between the Council for National Minorities, national minority associations, and national minority councils. In the first part the chapter therefore analyses means of cultural autonomy realization through financing projects of national minority associations that promote minority cultural autonomy. The chapter subsequently analyses the background of the establishment, competences, and achievement of the national minority councils, directly elected consultative bodies that will allow for more efficient participation of national minorities at the local and regional levels in Croatia, arguing that their role in the realization of national cultural autonomy, due to unclear mandate and limited competences, is quite marginal.Less
This chapter explores mechanisms of realization of national minority cultural autonomy in Croatia that do not bear the traits of a conventional non-territorial autonomy. The competences for realization of cultural autonomy in this country are principally split between the Council for National Minorities, national minority associations, and national minority councils. In the first part the chapter therefore analyses means of cultural autonomy realization through financing projects of national minority associations that promote minority cultural autonomy. The chapter subsequently analyses the background of the establishment, competences, and achievement of the national minority councils, directly elected consultative bodies that will allow for more efficient participation of national minorities at the local and regional levels in Croatia, arguing that their role in the realization of national cultural autonomy, due to unclear mandate and limited competences, is quite marginal.
Bill Bowring
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198746669
- eISBN:
- 9780191808944
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198746669.003.0007
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Comparative Law
This chapter focuses on Russia’s unlikely experiment in national cultural autonomy (NCA). It looks at the wide variety of forms of autonomy in the Russian Empire and provides an overview of a number ...
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This chapter focuses on Russia’s unlikely experiment in national cultural autonomy (NCA). It looks at the wide variety of forms of autonomy in the Russian Empire and provides an overview of a number of cases, including Finland, the Baltics, and Russian Germans. It examines religious diversity after Catherine II’s reforms, Bolshevik nationalities policy, the creation of the territorial autonomies in 1920–2, Terry Martin’s The Affirmative Action Empire, and the Russian government’s new ‘Strategy of State National Policy for the Period to 2025’, an apparent retreat from the NCA model. This chapter seeks in particular to address the paradox identified by Alexander Osipov—why does the concept of NCA sound attractive to ethnic activists? Its aim is to show that autonomy has rather deeper roots in Russia than might at first be supposed.Less
This chapter focuses on Russia’s unlikely experiment in national cultural autonomy (NCA). It looks at the wide variety of forms of autonomy in the Russian Empire and provides an overview of a number of cases, including Finland, the Baltics, and Russian Germans. It examines religious diversity after Catherine II’s reforms, Bolshevik nationalities policy, the creation of the territorial autonomies in 1920–2, Terry Martin’s The Affirmative Action Empire, and the Russian government’s new ‘Strategy of State National Policy for the Period to 2025’, an apparent retreat from the NCA model. This chapter seeks in particular to address the paradox identified by Alexander Osipov—why does the concept of NCA sound attractive to ethnic activists? Its aim is to show that autonomy has rather deeper roots in Russia than might at first be supposed.
Mícheál Ó hAodha
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719083044
- eISBN:
- 9781781702437
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719083044.003.0002
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Social Groups
Gypsy and Traveller cultures were of particular fascination to the Gypsy Lore Society (GLS)'s members. The trope of the ‘doomed primitive’ is still a vibrant designation as attributed to many ...
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Gypsy and Traveller cultures were of particular fascination to the Gypsy Lore Society (GLS)'s members. The trope of the ‘doomed primitive’ is still a vibrant designation as attributed to many minorities today, certain traditionally nomadic groups, such as the Roma Gypsies and the ‘indigenous’ Traveller groups included. The raison-d'être of the GLS was deemed a very appropriate and timely project, and this attitude would underlie the intellectual projects and energies of those intellectuals who shaped the folkloristic discourse that was the GLS. The Irish Travellers were considered one of the ‘lowest’ groups on the exotic and cultural purity scales created by the Gypsilorists. The temptation to explain Traveller origins fitted into the ‘racial purity’ and exoticist hierarchy of the Gypsilorists. Groups campaigning for social rights and cultural autonomy for Gypsies and Travellers are increasingly reassessing the role that the Gypsilorist tradition played in the perpetuation of erroneous stereotypes and myths.Less
Gypsy and Traveller cultures were of particular fascination to the Gypsy Lore Society (GLS)'s members. The trope of the ‘doomed primitive’ is still a vibrant designation as attributed to many minorities today, certain traditionally nomadic groups, such as the Roma Gypsies and the ‘indigenous’ Traveller groups included. The raison-d'être of the GLS was deemed a very appropriate and timely project, and this attitude would underlie the intellectual projects and energies of those intellectuals who shaped the folkloristic discourse that was the GLS. The Irish Travellers were considered one of the ‘lowest’ groups on the exotic and cultural purity scales created by the Gypsilorists. The temptation to explain Traveller origins fitted into the ‘racial purity’ and exoticist hierarchy of the Gypsilorists. Groups campaigning for social rights and cultural autonomy for Gypsies and Travellers are increasingly reassessing the role that the Gypsilorist tradition played in the perpetuation of erroneous stereotypes and myths.
Philip D. Morgan
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198205630
- eISBN:
- 9780191676710
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198205630.003.0021
- Subject:
- History, World Modern History, British and Irish Modern History
During the ‘long’ 18th century, the black presence in the British Empire assumed formidable proportions. Between 1680 and 1810, the Empire’s black population rose elevenfold. Although most Africans ...
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During the ‘long’ 18th century, the black presence in the British Empire assumed formidable proportions. Between 1680 and 1810, the Empire’s black population rose elevenfold. Although most Africans arrived in the Empire as slaves, their experiences were not uniform. The black world in the Empire is described in this chapter. A survey of the black population at the beginning, middle, and end of the long 18th century highlights the changing distribution of blacks throughout the Empire. The 18th-century black world was multi-faceted. There was a majority experience — located on plantations— where in many ways slaves suffered a similar fate. The black experience varied most fundamentally depending on the nature of population growth, the type of employment, the size of the slave-holding unit, the level of material well-being, the quality of family life, encounters with whites, patterns of interaction among blacks, the extent of cultural autonomy, and the degree of resistance and accommodation to the system. There was no single black experience in the Empire.Less
During the ‘long’ 18th century, the black presence in the British Empire assumed formidable proportions. Between 1680 and 1810, the Empire’s black population rose elevenfold. Although most Africans arrived in the Empire as slaves, their experiences were not uniform. The black world in the Empire is described in this chapter. A survey of the black population at the beginning, middle, and end of the long 18th century highlights the changing distribution of blacks throughout the Empire. The 18th-century black world was multi-faceted. There was a majority experience — located on plantations— where in many ways slaves suffered a similar fate. The black experience varied most fundamentally depending on the nature of population growth, the type of employment, the size of the slave-holding unit, the level of material well-being, the quality of family life, encounters with whites, patterns of interaction among blacks, the extent of cultural autonomy, and the degree of resistance and accommodation to the system. There was no single black experience in the Empire.
Detlev Rein
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198738459
- eISBN:
- 9780191801747
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198738459.003.0009
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, Comparative Law
This chapter discusses whether non-territorial autonomy can be granted to the Sorbian people according to German law. The Sorbs (numbering about 60,000) are one of the four recognized national ...
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This chapter discusses whether non-territorial autonomy can be granted to the Sorbian people according to German law. The Sorbs (numbering about 60,000) are one of the four recognized national minorities in Germany. They are organized in a number of civil society associations, and nearly all of them belong to Domowina, a civil law umbrella organization. Government grants allocated to the Sorbian institutions are distributed via the public law Foundation for the Sorbian People. The concept of establishing a corporation for them under public law is tested under the conditions of German administrative law. The main problem is the discrepancy between the public law principle that all members of a public law corporation of natural persons must be known and the principle of the freedom to manifest or not one’s affiliation to a national minority. Forms of cultural or functional collective autonomy are proposed as a solution.Less
This chapter discusses whether non-territorial autonomy can be granted to the Sorbian people according to German law. The Sorbs (numbering about 60,000) are one of the four recognized national minorities in Germany. They are organized in a number of civil society associations, and nearly all of them belong to Domowina, a civil law umbrella organization. Government grants allocated to the Sorbian institutions are distributed via the public law Foundation for the Sorbian People. The concept of establishing a corporation for them under public law is tested under the conditions of German administrative law. The main problem is the discrepancy between the public law principle that all members of a public law corporation of natural persons must be known and the principle of the freedom to manifest or not one’s affiliation to a national minority. Forms of cultural or functional collective autonomy are proposed as a solution.
Damien M. Sojoyner
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780816697533
- eISBN:
- 9781452955230
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Minnesota Press
- DOI:
- 10.5749/minnesota/9780816697533.003.0001
- Subject:
- Education, Educational Policy and Politics
The first chapter of the book maps out the manner in which Black manifestations of cultural autonomy, from music to visual arts, have been systematically eliminated from public education. This ...
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The first chapter of the book maps out the manner in which Black manifestations of cultural autonomy, from music to visual arts, have been systematically eliminated from public education. This discussion is bookended by a discussion of the central force that fomented Black cultural enclosures – Western Christianity.Less
The first chapter of the book maps out the manner in which Black manifestations of cultural autonomy, from music to visual arts, have been systematically eliminated from public education. This discussion is bookended by a discussion of the central force that fomented Black cultural enclosures – Western Christianity.
Kenneth B. Nunn
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780814721377
- eISBN:
- 9780814721384
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9780814721377.003.0006
- Subject:
- Law, Family Law
This chapter examines the pervasive pattern of disproportionate minority contact (DMC) in the existing juvenile justice system, suggesting that its origin can be traced to the oppressed status of ...
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This chapter examines the pervasive pattern of disproportionate minority contact (DMC) in the existing juvenile justice system, suggesting that its origin can be traced to the oppressed status of African American communities within America's broader social/political/economic construct. As a result, African American children (and other communities of color with similar issues) are more likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system, are treated more harshly, and are more likely to end up in the deep end of the system. Because the juvenile justice system is itself a societal construct, it is structured—and functions—as a mechanism of social and political oppression. The chapter considers the Black nationalist norm of cultural autonomy and argues that this norm must be embraced in order to promote empowered communities that resist oppression and would reduce minority contacts with the juvenile justice system.Less
This chapter examines the pervasive pattern of disproportionate minority contact (DMC) in the existing juvenile justice system, suggesting that its origin can be traced to the oppressed status of African American communities within America's broader social/political/economic construct. As a result, African American children (and other communities of color with similar issues) are more likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system, are treated more harshly, and are more likely to end up in the deep end of the system. Because the juvenile justice system is itself a societal construct, it is structured—and functions—as a mechanism of social and political oppression. The chapter considers the Black nationalist norm of cultural autonomy and argues that this norm must be embraced in order to promote empowered communities that resist oppression and would reduce minority contacts with the juvenile justice system.
Anadelia A. Romo
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- July 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780807833827
- eISBN:
- 9781469604084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of North Carolina Press
- DOI:
- 10.5149/9780807895948_romo.5
- Subject:
- History, Latin American History
Bahia has played a central role in representing Brazil's African roots. Afro Bahians, whose ancestors were brought forcibly by the Atlantic slave trade, have reinvented its culture and maintained a ...
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Bahia has played a central role in representing Brazil's African roots. Afro Bahians, whose ancestors were brought forcibly by the Atlantic slave trade, have reinvented its culture and maintained a cultural autonomy in Brazil. This book focuses on Bahia's racial ideology and its search for identity. It addresses the cultural transformation in Bahia as Athens lost its claim of privilege over Africa, and pays particular attention to the most important arena for racial thinking: medical discourse.Less
Bahia has played a central role in representing Brazil's African roots. Afro Bahians, whose ancestors were brought forcibly by the Atlantic slave trade, have reinvented its culture and maintained a cultural autonomy in Brazil. This book focuses on Bahia's racial ideology and its search for identity. It addresses the cultural transformation in Bahia as Athens lost its claim of privilege over Africa, and pays particular attention to the most important arena for racial thinking: medical discourse.
Deborah Jenson
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9781846314971
- eISBN:
- 9781846316517
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/UPO9781846316517
- Subject:
- History, Imperialism and Colonialism
The Haitian Revolution has generated responses from commentators in fields ranging from philosophy to historiography to twentieth-century literary and artistic studies. But what about the written ...
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The Haitian Revolution has generated responses from commentators in fields ranging from philosophy to historiography to twentieth-century literary and artistic studies. But what about the written work produced at the time, by Haitians? This book presents an account of a specifically Haitian literary tradition in the Revolutionary era. It shows the emergence of two strands of textual innovation, both evolving from the new revolutionary consciousness: the political texts produced by Haitian revolutionary leaders Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines; and popular Creole poetry from anonymous courtesans in Saint-Domingue's libertine culture. These textual forms, though they differ from each other, demonstrate both the increasing cultural autonomy and the literary voice of non-white populations in the colony at the time of revolution. Unschooled generals and courtesans, long presented as voiceless, are revealed to be legitimate speakers and authors. These Haitian French and Creole texts have been neglected as a foundation of Afro-diasporic literature by former slaves in the Atlantic world for two reasons: they do not fit the generic criteria of the slave narrative (which is rooted in the autobiographical experience of enslavement); and they are mediated texts, relayed to the print-cultural Atlantic domain not by the speakers themselves, but by secretaries or refugee colonists. These texts challenge how we think about authorial voice, writing, print culture, and cultural autonomy in the context of the formerly enslaved, and demand that we reassess our historical understanding of the Haitian Independence and its relationship to an international world of contemporary readers.Less
The Haitian Revolution has generated responses from commentators in fields ranging from philosophy to historiography to twentieth-century literary and artistic studies. But what about the written work produced at the time, by Haitians? This book presents an account of a specifically Haitian literary tradition in the Revolutionary era. It shows the emergence of two strands of textual innovation, both evolving from the new revolutionary consciousness: the political texts produced by Haitian revolutionary leaders Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines; and popular Creole poetry from anonymous courtesans in Saint-Domingue's libertine culture. These textual forms, though they differ from each other, demonstrate both the increasing cultural autonomy and the literary voice of non-white populations in the colony at the time of revolution. Unschooled generals and courtesans, long presented as voiceless, are revealed to be legitimate speakers and authors. These Haitian French and Creole texts have been neglected as a foundation of Afro-diasporic literature by former slaves in the Atlantic world for two reasons: they do not fit the generic criteria of the slave narrative (which is rooted in the autobiographical experience of enslavement); and they are mediated texts, relayed to the print-cultural Atlantic domain not by the speakers themselves, but by secretaries or refugee colonists. These texts challenge how we think about authorial voice, writing, print culture, and cultural autonomy in the context of the formerly enslaved, and demand that we reassess our historical understanding of the Haitian Independence and its relationship to an international world of contemporary readers.
Mari Yoshihara and Juliet Winters Carpenter
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231163026
- eISBN:
- 9780231538541
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231163026.003.0009
- Subject:
- Literature, Criticism/Theory
This introductory chapter analyzes Minae Mizumura's The Fall of Language in the Age of English, a novel that received a rather polarizing reception due to its underlying theme. The novel tackles the ...
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This introductory chapter analyzes Minae Mizumura's The Fall of Language in the Age of English, a novel that received a rather polarizing reception due to its underlying theme. The novel tackles the question of the role of the Japanese language—or any other language other than English—in a world dominated by the English language. Mizumura takes a critical look at the phenomenon of English as functioning as the singular national language in the digital era. The chapter argues that the negative reception the book received can be traced back to critics who took the title literally, believing the Japanese language to be at imminent risk of perishing under the dominance of English. Yet Mizumura makes no such claim, stating that the nation's cultural autonomy makes it highly improbable that Japanese will disappear in any foreseeable future.Less
This introductory chapter analyzes Minae Mizumura's The Fall of Language in the Age of English, a novel that received a rather polarizing reception due to its underlying theme. The novel tackles the question of the role of the Japanese language—or any other language other than English—in a world dominated by the English language. Mizumura takes a critical look at the phenomenon of English as functioning as the singular national language in the digital era. The chapter argues that the negative reception the book received can be traced back to critics who took the title literally, believing the Japanese language to be at imminent risk of perishing under the dominance of English. Yet Mizumura makes no such claim, stating that the nation's cultural autonomy makes it highly improbable that Japanese will disappear in any foreseeable future.
