Decolonizing Colonial Heritage: New Agendas, Actors and Practices in and beyond Europe

Decolonizing Colonial Heritage explores how different agents practice the decolonization of European colonial heritage at European and extra-European locations, assessing the impact of these practices and exploring what a new vision of Europe in the postcolonial present could look like. The book includes contributions from academics, artists, and heritage practitioners and examines decolonial heritage practices in politics, contemporary history, diplomacy, museum practice, the visual arts, and self-generated memorial expressions in public spaces. It also considers the challenges posed by applying decolonial thinking to existing understandings of colonial heritage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Decolonizing Colonial Heritage delves into the diverse strategies employed by various agents to dismantle and decolonize European colonial heritage across both European and extra-European contexts. By assessing the consequences of these practices, the book also endeavors to envision a new vision of Europe in the postcolonial present. This comprehensive volume features contributions from esteemed academics, artists, and heritage practitioners, shedding light on decolonial heritage practices in politics, contemporary history, diplomacy, museum practices, visual arts, and self-generated memorial expressions in public spaces. The chapters adopt a comparative approach, encompassing examples of internal colonization within Europe and extending to former European colonies, such as Shanghai, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro. By examining these practices within a range of diverse contexts, the book pays particular attention to sub-national actors who are actively shaping new futures through their engagement with decolonial heritage practices in the present. Furthermore, the volume critically examines the challenges inherent in applying decolonial thinking to existing understandings of colonial heritage.

Decolonizing Colonial Heritage is a groundbreaking work that delves into the complex and multifaceted aspects of colonial heritage in Europe and beyond. It offers a comprehensive examination of the strategies employed by various agents to dismantle and decolonize European colonial heritage, shedding light on the impact of these practices on individuals, communities, and societies. The book is divided into several chapters, each exploring different aspects of decolonial heritage.

In the first chapter, the authors provide an overview of the concept of decolonizing colonial heritage and its significance in the contemporary world. They argue that colonial heritage continues to shape European identity and politics, perpetuating inequalities and power imbalances. The chapter also highlights the need for a more inclusive and critical approach to understanding colonial history and its legacy.

The second chapter explores the politics of decolonizing colonial heritage. It examines how governments, institutions, and organizations have responded to the demands of indigenous peoples and communities for the recognition and reparation of colonial violence and exploitation. The chapter also explores the challenges and complexities involved in decolonizing heritage sites and monuments, such as the Elgin Marbles and the Statue of Liberty.

The third chapter focuses on decolonizing contemporary history. It examines how historical narratives and memory practices have perpetuated colonialism and discrimination. The chapter explores the role of museums, archives, and educational institutions in perpetuating colonial narratives and the need for more inclusive and decolonial approaches to history education.

The fourth chapter explores the diplomacy of decolonizing colonial heritage. It examines how international organizations, such as the United Nations and UNESCO, have engaged with colonial heritage and the challenges and complexities involved in promoting decolonization and reconciliation. The chapter also explores the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting intercultural understanding and cooperation.

The fifth chapter explores the visual arts and decolonizing colonial heritage. It examines how artists and filmmakers have used their work to challenge colonial narratives and promote decolonization. The chapter also explores the role of art in promoting social justice and human rights.

The sixth chapter explores self-generated memorial expressions and decolonizing colonial heritage. It examines how individuals and communities have used self-generated memorials and commemorations to challenge colonial narratives and promote healing and reconciliation. The chapter also explores the role of heritage tourism in promoting decolonization and reconciliation.

The final chapter examines the challenges posed by decolonizing colonial heritage. It examines how colonialism and its legacy continue to shape contemporary society, including issues of racism, inequality, and environmental degradation. The chapter also explores the role of decolonizing colonial heritage in promoting social justice and human rights.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a wide range of sources and perspectives to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of decolonizing colonial heritage. They include contributions from academics, artists, heritage practitioners, and indigenous peoples and communities. The book also features case studies and examples from a range of countries and regions, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Decolonizing Colonial Heritage is a valuable resource for academics, students, and practitioners working in the fields of heritage and memory studies, colonial and imperial history, European studies, sociology, cultural studies, development studies, museum studies, and contemporary art. It offers a critical and interdisciplinary approach to understanding colonial heritage and its legacy, providing insights into the complex and multifaceted ways in which colonialism has shaped contemporary society. The book's open access format ensures that it is accessible to a wide audience, promoting greater understanding and awareness of the issues involved in decolonizing colonial heritage.

In conclusion, Decolonizing Colonial Heritage is a groundbreaking work that provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted aspects of colonial heritage in Europe and beyond. It offers a critical and interdisciplinary approach to understanding colonial heritage and its legacy, providing insights into the complex and multifaceted ways in which colonialism has shaped contemporary society. The book's open access format ensures that it is accessible to a wide audience, promoting greater understanding and awareness of the issues involved in decolonizing colonial heritage.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367569617