Political myth: the political uses of history, tradition and memory

Transcription

1 University of Wollongong Research Online University of Wollongong Thesis Collection University of Wollongong Thesis Collections 2001 Political myth: the political uses of history, tradition and memory Peter Ricketson University of Wollongong Recommended Citation Ricketson, Peter, Political myth: the political uses of history, tradition and memory, Doctor of Philosophy thesis, Department of History and Politics, University of Wollongong, Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library:

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3 POLITICAL MYTH The Political Uses of History, Tradition and Memory A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements For the award of the degree Doctor of Philosophy From University of Wollongong by Peter Ricketson MXitt. B.A. Dip. Ed. Department of History and PoUtics 2001

4 Contents Introduction Chapter 1 Cassirer : The Concept of Political Myth 1. Introduction Georges Sorel Cassirer's Rationale for Studying Political Myth Origins of Cassirer's Concept of Political Myth Cassirer's Concept of Mythic Consciousness The Nature of Modem Political Myths Impact of Romanticism 'Myth of the Twentieth Century' Hero Worship Race Worship State Worship Cultural Failure The Technique of Myth Manipulation of Language Use of Ritual Imposition of a Supreme Value Uses and Abuses of History Conclusion 76 Chapter 2 The Kosovo Myth 1. Introduction The Battle of Kosovo : The 600* Anniversary Kosovo and the Culture of Fear Kosovo and Legitmation Kosovo and Serbian Collective Memory Serbian Epic and Oral Tradition Church and Nation The Relics of Lazar The Relics of Stefan The Relics of Genocide Kosovo as Sacred Site 125

5 7. The Kosovo Tradition The Commemoration of Kosovo Early Commemorative Developments The 500^^ Anniversary Twentieth Century Commemorations Vidovdan - 28^^ June Counter Commemorations The Destruction of Memory Conclusion 169 Chapter 3 Collective Memory 1. Introduction Collective Memory Conceptualising Collective Memory Memory and History Representations of the Past A Useable Past Competing Memories Memory and Identity Heritage and Nostalgia Media and Memory Conclusion. 237 Chapter 4 Memory Sites 1. Introduction Monuments and Memory Monuments to National Memory and the National Dead Primal Memories Relics and Memory Museums as Memory Sites Conclusion 301

6 Chapter 5 Tradition 1. Introduction Persistence of Tradition Conceptualising Tradition Tradition, Memory and Continuity Tradition, Social Cohesion and Identity Conclusion 351 Chapter 6 Commemoration 1. Introduction Commemorative Ritual and Collective Memory Commemorative Ritual Defining Ritual Ritoal as Cultural Management Ritual as Symbolic Communication Ritual as Performance Ritual Space The Commemorative Process Commemorative Narrative Master Commemorative Narrative Commemorative Density and Political Myth Contested Commemorations Conclusion 402 Chapter 7 Political Myth and Legitimacy 1. Introduction The Importance of Legitimation The Problematic Nature of Legitimating Rationales Political Myths as Compensatory Sources of Legitimation The Emergence of a 'Symbolic Void' Opinion as a 'Justifiable' Source of Authority The 'Limits of Legitimacy' 'Rolling Back' the State Legitimating Criteria Legitimacy Derived From Rules Legitimacy Derived From an Authoritative Source Divine Sanction 445

7 4.2.2 Scientific Theory Tradition Popular Sovereignty The Past Shared Beliefs Ideology and Political Myth National Identity Foundation Myths Consent Conclusion 479 Conclusion 482 Appendix 1: The Katyn Massacre as Collective Memory 491 Appendix 2 : Masada as 'Invented' Tradition 507 Appendix 3 : Commemoration of the Columbus Quincentennial 528 Bibliography 541

8 DECLARATION I, Peter Ricketson, declare that this thesis, submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor in Philosophy, in the Department of History and Politics, University of Wollongong, is wholly my own work unless otherwise referenced or acknowledged. The document has not been submitted for qualifications at any other academic institution ~~^i^j^ Peter Ricketson

9 special thanks to my supervisor Stephen Reglar who guided me through the whole process of researching, writing and editing a thesis. My personal thanks to Pamela Ricketson who encouraged and supported me to keep going, acted as my intellectual 'sounding board' and was invaluable in the difficult task of editing