The commodification of culture


Yesterday's entry is unclear and incomplete. I am trying to connect official foreign policy positions, in general but the example is the one China policy as viewed by China, Taiwan and the U.S., with the theme of cultural exchange and tourism. Foreign policy posturing, cultural definition and commercial tourism all must coincide in national identity. We add to this mix the specific features of technology.

Perhaps it is the case that the tourism most sought after by Taiwan and China is that of overseas Chinese. Both want to persuade those in the diaspora that they are the true inheritors and guardians of the Chinese cultural heritage. This is indeed fascinating since the primary way to establish such stature is successful modernization, or in other words Westernization. The remnant of classical Chinese civilization is preserved, primarily for tourists, theme-park like, and asserted to be the font of contemporary wisdom and success. When John Dewey visited China and lectured about pragmatism he was told that its true roots were found in Ming neo-Confucianism.

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Posted: Fri - December 12, 2003 at 10:36 PM      

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