Politics of memories: Identity construction in museums

Abstract

This paper adopts collective memory theory to reveal processes through which heritage tourism stakeholders (re)construct contested national identity. Theoretically sensitised to identity crisis, the study analyses how Hong Kong and Macao heritage managers utilise complex transnational memories to (re)construct an identity aligned with, yet distinct from, that of China. Through a critical discourse analysis of interviews and discursive exhibition and museum texts, the article reveals that museum managers formulate heritage imaginings and a sense of belonging(s) through defining the collective memory for "Self" and "Other". The article concludes that, by collective memory-building, museum professionals make tangible statements of national identities through legitimating negotiations and resistance in heritage tourism discourse. Implications for heritage tourism studies and museum management are also discussed.

National identity and cultural festivals in postcolonial destinations

“…Macao's newly acquired Chinese national identity (Smith, 2009). This finding also confirms the previous observation that tourism has been utilised as a soft tool to strengthen political power in China (e.g., Keading, 2010;Zhang et al, 2018).…”

“…For these reasons, Macao is relatively in favour of its emerging Chinese identity with a positive rating of 8.01/10 for being a citizen of the People's Republic of China (PRC; POP, 2018b). With relatively positive emotions towards being Chinese, Macao has relatively softer identity debates, but the state identity and ethnicity have not yet fully convinced Macao to become socio-culturally Chinese (Kaeding, 2010;Zhang et al, 2018). Macao identity debates are often related to the search for accelerating integration with the PRC and at the same time not losing Macao's distinguishing character (du Cros, 2009).…”

“…Macao identity debates are often related to the search for accelerating integration with the PRC and at the same time not losing Macao's distinguishing character (du Cros, 2009). Hence, Macao's identity is a hybrid (Zhang et al, 2018).…”

“…Tourism is now the principal medium through which culture and history are represented and displayed for local and tourist consumption, as these are major elements in retelling unique national stories (Frew & White, 2011). Linked to national identity, tourism studies have often focused on how heritage attractions demonstrate the uniqueness of people and places (e.g., Park, 2016;Zhang, L'Espoir Decosta & McKercher, 2015;Zhang, Xiao, Morgan, Ly, 2018). The notion of celebrating the glorious past for contemporary needs of belonging strongly emphasises the link between cultural festivals and national identity (Smith, 1991).…”

Untitled

“…The Representation of Violence in Exhibitions. Bielefeld: Verlag, 2013, p. 203-217;ZHANG, Carol X., XIAO, Honggen, MORGAN, Nigel, LY, Tuan Phong. Politics of memories: Identity construction in museums.…”