Western Influence Research Articles

SPATIAL-FUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF SALON APARTMENT IN SERBIA

<jats:p>The salon apartment is a residential typology that developed in Serbia from the middle of the 19th century until the beginning of the Second World War. The spatial-functional organization of the salon apartment is characterized by typological characteristics such as: division of space into two zones, salon, central room, pass-through dining room, etc. These characteristics have been developed according to oriental and western European influences. The paper will investigate the development, organization and typology of salon apartments in Serbia.</jats:p>

Artistic image of a modern Japanese woman in the anime film “Paprika” directed by Satoshi Kon

Cross-cultural communications prompted the international popularity of the Japanese original genre of anime. It has become the translator of not only the Japanese mentality and traditional values to the West, but also demonstrates the changes taking place in Japan. The analysis of artistic image of the anime heroine Atsuko Chiba (Paprika) is the goal of this research. Noticeable changes in the status of women in Japanese society are observed only since the middle of the XX century, which immediately found reflection in Japanese cinematography. The use of empirical and comparative methods allow establishing that the changes taking place in Japanese traditional society changes retain the national peculiarities. The anime film “Paprika” directed by Satoshi Kon, which is based on the eponymous novel by Yasutaka Tsutsui, reflects the transformation of the role of women in modern society. The novelty of this work lies the fact that this article analyzes the virtually unstudied topic of the artistic imagery in anime and the structure of modern female image therein. The images of Atsuko Chiba and Paprika, translated from the novel to anime, indicate the changes that took place in the Japanese society in the late XX – early XXI century, and namely the female image that gives a better perspective and sense of such changes. Despite the Western influence upon the traditional Japanese society and transition of the country into the new level of development, did not hinder the preservation of national peculiarities that are based on the century-old traditions and Japanese mentality.

Russia’s Policies in the Post-Soviet Space: Between Constructive Relations and Fighting the New Cold War

Abstract The article challenges the view that Russia’s goal in the post-Soviet space is to make the region an exclusive zone of Russian influence and keep other world powers out entirely. In fact, Russia has two policies towards the influence of other powers that are active in the region: a ‘business as usual’ approach, applied to China and Turkey; and a securitized ‘New Cold War policy’, applied to the US and West (especially towards their presence in Ukraine). Growing Chinese and Turkish influence has not been ‘securitized’, although the presence of both powers creates clear obstacles to the reintegration of former Soviet countries around Russia. The article draws on three bodies of literature (Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism) to explain this variation. While Moscow perceives growing Western influence in Ukraine as a threat to its domestic regime and identity as a great power and regional leader, it finds common ground with Beijing and Ankara in its concerns about the Western liberal democracy promotion agenda and views both powers as potential allies in the construction of a ‘multipolar world’.

Reaching Back to Traditional Teachings: Diné Knowledge and Gender Politics

As Diné, we must understand the traditional teachings that were once in place through oral traditions and teachings. There are many troubles Diné (Navajo) women and Nadleeh (Two-Spirit) people face from outside the community, but due to western influence, we endure the same effects from within our own Nation. Through this paper, I aim to propose resolutions to move our Nation in the right direction for social change and build a community of acceptance by reaching back to traditional teaching philosophies without the influence of cis-heteronormative patriarchal structures. I argue that adoptions of these western institutions have severe effects on Diné women and Nadleeh (Two-Spirit) livelihood and well-being. In this paper, I examine three areas of Diné philosophy and cosmology: (1) the central role of K’é (family) and the matrilineal clanship, (2) Diné women and Nadleeh voices in our creation stories, and (3) Hozhó, the beauty way, to understand the masculine and feminine energies of Diné cosmology in order to address the importance of women and Nadleeh on Dinétah.

Decolonizing the Shopping Mall: A Reading of Spaces within the United Arab Emirates

Does it make sense to speak of a ‘reading’ of space? If so, what implication does that have on our experience of said space once a reading is complete and to what extent would this reading hinder or strengthen the individual or community? A reading of space has become a crucial tool in global affairs and multinational internet culture. Such a tool would allow for critiquing and dissecting unidentifiable power relations within spaces then redirecting the social production of identity and hegemony. One such discourse can be of Western cultural hegemony. This paper will begin by defining the theoretical framework that will then be used to illustrate and analyze a given space. The space chosen will be shopping malls in the United Arab Emirates, specifically their food courts and restaurants, as this nation is situated geographically in a non-Western region. A Content Analysis of the websites of the malls selected in the capital, Abu Dhabi, will illustrate the physical literal construction of this space. An analysis of these theories and illustrations about the space will aid in a debate on shopping mall restaurants' implications on identity and Western cultural hegemony. It will be concluded that a reading of space is a crucial tool to demystify the reality of Western influence on Eastern social and cultural development, ultimately critiquing the production of such spaces in order to decolonize the region.

NIGERIA: RELIGIOUS CONFLICT AND THE BOKO HARAM

"Religious conflicts have increased interfaith suspicion between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria with each group being determined to outshine the other in the propagation of its religious beliefs. In fact, even Islamic sect Boko Haram was formed on the belief in the superiority of Islam as a monotheistic religion and with a divine mandate to purge Islam of Western influences. This paper examines the complex issues surrounding the advent of the Boko Haram sect in Nigeria. It argues that religious conflict in Nigeria results from the propagation of radicalized exegeses and the use of religious sentiments for gain political advantage. Government’s failure to act decisively also accounts for religious conflict in Nigeria and the Boko Haram in particular. Keywords: Boko Haram, conflict, religion, ideology, violence, Islam."

Decoloniality and cultural representations in Nisha Pahuja’s The World Before Her

ABSTRACT This study is an investigation of juxtaposed ideological paradigms represented in Nisha Pahuja’s documentary The World Before Her. Examining the correlations between Western and colonial cultural influences and the felt need for going back to ‘home’/roots, the documentary allows the analysis of cultural dichotomies and complexly situated voices. Through decolonial and feminist critical lens and the Hindutva ideology, there is a representation of polarised categories through tacit comparative frameworks in the documentary. The representation of contrasting images of tradition versus modernity epitomised through the portrayal of the Miss World contest organised in Bengaluru, India, in 1996, and the protests against the propagation of Westernization by the Durga Vahinis – the women’s wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad – highlight the quandary that characterises the notion of nationalism. The Durga Vahinis’ ideals symbolise female identity and Hindu traditions as non-negotiable in the wake of the perception of women’s progress. Through narrative and conceptual analysis, this study centralises the idea of decoloniality versus the broad system of modernity discourses as being prominent trajectories affecting the lives of Hindu women.

Introduction

Introduction

Beyond the Classics: Identifying Gaps and Setting Trajectory in Understanding Political Dynamics in Philippine Local Politics

Epistemological frames and theoretical underpinnings are developed precisely to give coherence and cognitive rendering to a rather chaotic appearance of the world and reality to man’s consciousness. These frames offer associations of nuances and concepts that in turn provide cogent systems of understanding, which contribute to man’s unending search for meanings combining as it were his experience of the world and his ability to mentally grasp such experience hence, the Ancient Greek word episteme. In the social sciences, theoretical frameworks are formulated to provide grounding venues for construing the complexities and specificities of social phenomena toward a better understanding of the social world. Concomitantly, these frameworks are assessed and evaluated based on their capacity to utter notions and tell stories of the slice of reality they wish to depict. 
 It is in this respect that this paper offers a critical examination of the most prevalent theoretical frames and epistemic perspectives, herein referred to as classics, deployed in understanding Philippine political local dynamics. In light of Philippine contemporary economic, social, cultural, and political developments, the article identifies some gaps and bumps in these ‘classics’ to offer a research trajectory that scholars in the field can rightly consider. Through a synthesis of existing political paradigms applied in local politics, the paper highlighted nuances that are ignored, realities that are not yet explored, and concepts rendered with over-simplistic meanings, suggesting imperatives for modifications, deconstructions, and even reconstructions.
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White Blotches on Brown Skin: A Post-colonial Critique of "The Writing on My Forehead"

The formal colonial rule of Britain ended seven decades ago but the experience deeply influenced the minds of the masses and altered their lives and psyche for a long time to come. Post-colonial issues such as loss of identity, hybridity, otherness, appropriation, etc are frequently highlighted by the Anglophone writers of the sub-continent. The authors of Pakistani descent have contributed remarkably to post-colonial literature. The present research aims to analyze Nafisa Haji’s novel The Writing on My Forehead (2009) to investigate the Western influence on the minds and behaviors of the people of the subcontinent. Homi K. Bhabha's analytical lens (1994) is the primary guide for this research. Three elements of hybridity, namely mimicry, ambivalence, and unhomeliness, as proposed by Bhabha are explored. The concepts of diaspora and othering in the work under discussion are also briefly touched. This research is qualitative and descriptive in nature. The results of the detailed textual analysis indicate that various characters are hybrids of East and West. The phenomena of ambivalence and mimicry can be clearly observed in their conduct and thinking. The most important characters in this regard are Saira, Adeeba (also known as Big Nanima), and Kasim who openly mimic the Western culture. Minor characters like Adeeba’s parents and Shabana, though averse to Western culture at the surface level, are unconsciously influenced by it. The phenomena of othering, diaspora, and unhomeliness are also briefly touched. In this way, the present study sheds light on the impact of colonialism on the lives of colonial subjects and links it with the continued hegemony of the West over the Easterners. It will be helpful for students, teachers and researchers who wish to study Haji’s fiction and the impact of the phenomenon of colonialism.

Captivating Architecture of Samadhis (Commemorative Tombs), Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

South Asia is an attractive land encapsulating a splendid cultural heritage in the form of dignified art and architecture. Potohar plateau is an uneven land encompassing four district of Punjab Province: Chakwal, Attock, Rawalpindi and Jehlum. Chakwal is one of them. This land is comprised of diversified landscape with hills intersected by undulating plains and rocky patches. A preliminary survey and documentation were conducted in Chakwal in 2019 which yielded a considerable number of archaeological sites and monuments. Chakwal is accommodating rich cultural profile from Stone Age to Medieval Period. Marvelous architecture of different eras is its fascinating aspect. The monuments of district Chakwal are very rich in art and architecture which show local as well as western (Greeks, Roman and Persian) influences. This research paper will throw light upon the splendid architecture of Hindu and Sikh Samadhis found in the same district. Among commemorative tombs, one of them is both Hind-Sikh Samadhi which is a unique and rare characteristic of intriguing Samadhis in the region of Potohar. Fresco paintings illustrated inside the tombs will reveal cultural articulation of Indian Sub-Continent to the western world in the form of decorative motifs as these have been amalgamated to adorn the architecture pieces.

The Depiction of ‘Orthodoxy’ in Post-Soviet Space: How Vladimir Putin Uses the Church in His Anti-Western Campaign

This article seeks to examine Russia’s recent interest in uplifting the status of Orthodox church as a pivotal factor in the state. Most importantly, the position of Orthodox Church has grown rapidly during Putin’s administration as a solacing factor to fill the gap emerging from the fall of the Soviet Union. The sixteenth-century doctrine propounded by Filofei called ‘Third Rome’, which profoundly portrayed Moscow as the last sanctuary for Eastern Christianity and the nineteenth-century nationalist mantra of ‘Orthodoxy, Nationality, and Autocracy’, is rejuvenated under Putin as the new ideological path to move away from the Western influence. Specifically, it is an evident factor that ideological movement that rigidly denies Russia’s hobnobbing with the Liberal West is rather intensified after the Crimean crisis in 2014. Under this situation, Putin’s usage of Orthodoxy and Russia’s spiritual legacy stands as a direct political tool, expressing Russia’s uniqueness of the global affairs. This article will critically examine the historical trajectory of the Orthodox Church in Russia as an indicator of its distinctiveness.

POSTCOLONIAL VALUES ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS IN SECOND GRADES SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

The aims of this study are to find out some postcolonial values in English textbooks second grades, they are: (1) Western Superiority, (2) Eastern Subordination, and (3) Mimicry.This research is a qualitative descriptive study focusing on library research. The object of research is an English textbook which includes: (1) Pathway to English by Erlangga Publisher, (2) Talk Active by Yudhistira Publisher, and (3) Bahasa Inggris by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud). The results of this study are found Western Superiority, Eastern Subordination and Mimicry (as postcolonial forms) of English Textbooks. The forms are Western Superiority, Eastern Subordination, and Mimicry. The forms Postcolonial most found in this research are Western Superiority and Cultural Mimicry. Western superiority tends to bring out the advantages that the Western has had. While the cultural mimicry is impersonation and immitation (which is expected by English learners) to Western culture. Thus, it can be concluded that the western influences in the books are seen from the description of the positive edges and the omission of the negative sides of the West.
 
 Keywords: postkolonial, English Text Book, analysis

Women’s participation in community development in rural Ghana: The effects of colonialism, neoliberalism, and patriarchy

ABSTRACT Women’s empowerment and gender equality have been given attention by development practitioners and communities over the last two decades. Studies show, however, that in the face of the increase attention to gender equality in community development, women’s advancement, and participation in both developed and developing countries are restricted. The situation of women involvement in the community development process in Ghana is abysmal. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how colonialism, patriarchy and neoliberalism serve as barriers to women within community development processes in rural Ghana. This paper is approached from transnational feminist perspective. A total of twelve (12) women from three randomly selected rural communities in Ghana were interviewed about their community development experiences. The findings implicate Western influence and structural factors in the low participation of women in community development processes in rural Ghana. This study found that Western interference in the form of the superimposition of a neoliberal capitalist agenda has had a negative consequence on the level of participation of women in their communities. This ideology has imbued in women individualistic ideals to the detriment of traditional communal life. The women were particularly disadvantaged by the reliance on level of education and fluency in English, as requirements for local government positions since English is the national business language. The existing patriarchal norms and values in rural communities such as traditional gender roles and “name calling” militate against women within the context of community development. Western interference, colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalist ideologies continue to hinder the involvement of women in the development of their communities. It is therefore important to address these issues to help better the lives of women in rural Ghana.

The Making of Contemporary Art in Tanzania

The Making of Contemporary Art in Tanzania

Eclecticism Style in Ceramic Art Practices of Ife Art School

Purpose: The study discusses Ife ceramic wares in tandem with the historical approach of the decorative patterns. It equally determines the origin of each style and how it moved and spread across the phases. The sequences of creative impulse and stylistic trends of ceramic practices in the art school from inception have not received scholarly attention in terms of the examination of the approaches towards the conceptions. The specific objective is to investigate the inception of eclecticism in the art school and circumstances behind the conceptions in order to reveal the contextual definitions of used designs and factors influence the innovation.
 Methodology: Descriptive and analytical approaches were used to trace decorative trends of each phase and the integration of the various motifs and styles of the previous phases in the new phases that sprung up. Samples of ceramic wares in the art school exhibition brochures, galleries and ceramic studios were collected for analysis and photographs were also taken for evidence.
 Findings: In concept, the praxis reveals traditional ideology at inception and desegregation of different themes, ideas, and styles in the recent phase of the practice. The practices are eclectic inclined as of late with reflection of traditional ideology, contemporary issues and customs of Western societies. Notwithstanding, the ceramic art tradition of the art school is aesthetically inclined both in principle and practice.
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: No doubt, the sculptural creativeness of Ife wares has preserved cultural heritage for public awareness. This is largely evident in the proliferation of her ingenious adaptation of indigenous deco-stylistic techniques with Western influence that portrayed Nigerian traditional culture by themes, forms and styles in concepts and renditions.

On the Way to a Cross-Cultural Thought: Steps between European and Sino-Japanese Aesthetics

The article focuses on some aesthetic issues in an intercultural perspective. The confrontation with a context of thought that developed outside the Western influence for centuries, such as the Sino-japanese one, allows to discuss and intertwine some notions, experiences and arguments, in order to provide a possible mutual understanding and self-reflection among different cultures through aesthetics and artistic experience. In particular, the notions of “image” and “body”, traditionally relevant in Western aesthetics, are presented as thought-provoking in a cross-cultural “fusion of horizon”. So, a de-coincidence with the European atavic categories and their “unthought” can be promoted and enhanced, thus providing new prespectives and non-eurocentric views.

Azerbaijan-Turkey literary relations

Article compares the literary relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey during the Soviet and independence periods. Research shows that during the Soviet era, limited literary relations under the leadership of Moscow were subordinated to the unified foreign policy goals of the USSR. The Soviet Union, among other means, sought to spread communist ideology in Turkey through literary ties, to weaken NATO’s southern wing from within, and to reduce Western influence. The closed society and the “iron curtain” of the USSR did not allow the free exchange of cultural and literary treasures. After the restoration of the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 18, 1991 and the collapse of the USSR, literary relations were free from ideological stereotypes and all restrictions. The signing of bilateral documents between Azerbaijan and Turkey has laid the legal basis for cooperation in the field of culture, including literature.

The historic city and the East–West exchange: architecture, urban renewal and international knowledge transfers under state socialism in Hungary

AbstractIn recent years, the permeability of the Iron Curtain seems to have become a new paradigm in the field of post-war history – urban history included. It is clear, however, that significant differences existed among Eastern Bloc countries in terms of how open they were to Western influences, and to what extent their governments allowed those countries’ citizens – professionals among them – to gain experiences abroad. This article investigates the ways city planning and heritage policy in state socialist Hungary were influenced by international trends; it explores the roles Hungarian architects, urban planners and other experts played after 1956 in knowledge transfers, i.e. the transmission of novel ideas in the field of architecture and urban planning, with special regard to the renewal of inner-city areas and historic town centres. Besides reflecting critically on concepts of the strict East–West divide, the article also calls attention to the limits of freedom inherent even in a relatively liberal Eastern Bloc regime: various forms of state control – including state security surveillance – continued to characterize the system until its collapse in 1989, affecting the mobility of urbanists and architects as well as all other professional groups.

Kanne Lobal: A conceptual framework relating education and leadership partnerships in the Marshall Islands

Kanne Lobal: A conceptual framework relating education and leadership partnerships in the Marshall Islands