Networks, Narratives and Nations. Transcultural Approaches to Cultural Nationalism in Modern Europe and Beyond ed. by Marjet Brolsma et al

Abstract

Reviewed by: Networks, Narratives and Nations. Transcultural Approaches to Cultural Nationalism in Modern Europe and Beyond ed. by Marjet Brolsma et al Carmen Ardelean Networks, Narratives and Nations. Transcultural Approaches to Cultural Nationalism in Modern Europe and Beyond. Edited by Marjet Brolsma, Alex Drace-Francis, Krisztina Lajosi-Moore, Enno Maessen, Marleen Rensen, Jan Rock, Yolanda Rodríguez Pérez and Guido Snel. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2022. Group identities are shaped by narratives and images in a variety of ways. These include the sharing of stories and images that are used to convey a sense of shared history, values and beliefs, which then help to strengthen the identity of a particular group. Through the use of these narratives and images, a group identity can be created, maintained or even strengthened, allowing groups and nations to form a sense of solidarity and belonging. To begin with, it is important to understand the concept of group identity—closely linked to the concept of social identity—and how it is formed. Group identity is the shared understanding of who one is as a member of a certain group, community or nation, and it is created through the shared experiences of that human structure. This shared identity then allows for a sense of belonging, solidarity and connection among its members. Through narratives and images, a group’s identity can be further shaped and reinforced in historical, social and psychological terms. On the one hand, narratives, or stories, are an important tool in creating and strengthening group identity. Through the sharing of stories, a group can create a sense of shared history, which then helps to build a stronger sense of identity. These stories can be passed down through generations, can be restructured or adapted to new conditions, their main purpose being to ensure continuity. On the other hand, postmodern narratives benefit from networking. Modern networking technology has allowed groups to form and strengthen identities in ways that were not possible before. Groups can connect in a matter of seconds, and can equally be influenced—positively or negatively—for the purpose of creating a stronger feeling of identity. Through networking, resources and ideas can be spread, in order to create a unified mindset. As mentioned in the introduction by Alex Drace-Francis, the topic of national and group identities has been a source of debate for decades. According to Drace-Francis, the purpose of this volume, including well documented opinions by a wide range of modern researchers, is to focus “on the networked, transnational nature of cultural nation-building processes in a comparative European and sometimes extra-European context.” Having as a focal point the works of Joep Leerssen and his breakthrough research into the topic of nationalism as a significant part of culture, and inclined to transnational influences, the authors whose contributions are included in this volume show us, as a reminder of Hofstede’s works of the 1980s, that there is much more to culture than what is commonly perceived. By applying a multi-faceted critical thinking approach to this issue, the authors grouped herein provide a daring, fresh perspective to Leerssen’s ideas. Indeed, in today’s scholarly environment, it is becoming increasingly important to apply critical thinking to our cultural narratives and images. We are bombarded with an ever-increasing amount of information from all angles, and it is easy to become overwhelmed and accept the status quo without question. However, the authors included in this volume took it upon themselves to critically analyze various cultural narratives—both European and extra-European—as well as the images adopted by various communities, in a synchronic, as well as diachronic approach aimed at a deeper understanding of the world around us, based on facts and strong evidence. This is especially important in our current media-saturated environment, where bias and manipulation create fake cultural images for commercial gain. The authors of the essays in this book deny such a perspective by applying thorough research and by emphasizing the context in which all relevant narratives and images are produced for the benefit of the culture that they belong to or from a transcultural perspective. The underlying message of cultural narratives and images is: what...