The Migrant's Corner: Paradoxes of Representing Mediterranean Crossings in Italian and French Contemporary Culture

This book explores how the stories of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe have been represented in contemporary culture, highlighting the ethical complexities related to agency and advocacy. It analyzes recent works by Laurent Gaudé and Emanuele Crialese, the Musée National de l'Histoire de l'Immigration in Paris, and a community festival in Lampedusa, to show how these narratives often confine the experience of displaced individuals within a Eurocentric, humanitarian discourse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

Over the past two decades, the captivating tales of migrants traversing the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life in Europe have captured the attention of the global media. This book delves into the diverse ways in which these human journeys have been portrayed in contemporary culture, shedding light on the intricate ethical dilemmas surrounding agency and advocacy. While these narratives are often created with the intention of supporting migrant communities, they often perpetuate a Eurocentric, humanitarian discourse that limits the experiences of displaced individuals. By adopting an interdisciplinary and postcolonial lens, this book examines a range of artistic expressions, including recent works by Laurent Gaudé and Emanuele Crialese, the Musée National de l'Histoire de l'Immigration in Paris, and a community festival in Lampedusa. Through these diverse examples, the book highlights the complexities of advocating for migrants from a European perspective, challenging the dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800798823
Edition number: New ed