The paper will analyze the nationalist movements and national sentiments of four entities: Quebec, Lebanon, Israel and Greece, and attempt a comparison with the conditions for a vital national identity in Lebanon. It will be suggested that the internal differences in Lebanon, dominated by a very intolerant ethnic marker, namely religion, are so predominant that they overshadow any kind of national identity that can detach Lebanese society from their sub-national attachments in order to generate national sentiments for all Lebanese people. Complicating this condition, also foreign intervention through alliances with the various groups within Lebanon comes into play. Using the Québécois, the Israeli and the Greek example, it shall be shown that a certain amount of internal unity is needed to create sentiments of belonging. Only then, art can play a significant role in enhancing national identity through symbols and material objects. Québec developed a strong legal code to protect its distinct Québécois nature against English-speaking Canada. In Greece, the Orthodox Church took the responsibility of safeguarding not only religion, but also language, folklore, dance and literature against Turkish domination and the post-Ottoman conflict over territory. Israel had and still has to struggle with the construction of a national identity that is based on the ethnic marker religion. Furthermore, the political state had to embrace various Jewish communities with different cultural habits and customs and define what kind of Jewish life is truly acceptable. Hence, cultural customs have been defined in order to create a distinct Israeli identity. For our purposes, we refer to the Arab-Israeli conflict from the Israeli perspective, being fully aware that we only spotlight one certain aspect of it . The paper is based and inspired by Richard Handler’s analysis of the Québécois claims for a distinct national character in contrast to the rest of Canada and the independence movement, proclaimed by a considerably high percentage of the population .
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Theory of Nationalist Art
- 3. Art and Nationalist Phenomena in Greece, Québec and Israel
- 4. The Lebanese Case
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the role of art in the struggle for national identity, focusing on the Lebanese case and comparing it to Greece, Quebec, and Israel. It examines how art contributes to the creation and preservation of national identity within different contexts, considering the impact of internal divisions and external pressures.
- The theory of nationalist art and its mechanisms
- Case studies of national identity formation in Greece, Quebec, and Israel
- The challenges to national identity formation in Lebanon
- The role of art (or lack thereof) in shaping Lebanese national identity
- The impact of internal divisions and external factors on national identity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by using the Lebanese national anthem as a starting point to discuss the complexities of national identity, particularly in a fragmented society like Lebanon. It introduces the central argument: that deep-seated internal divisions, especially those based on religion, hinder the formation of a unified Lebanese national identity. The chapter previews the comparative approach the paper will take, examining Greece, Quebec, and Israel as case studies to illuminate the conditions necessary for a thriving national identity, where art plays a significant role in solidifying cultural symbols and creating a sense of belonging. The challenges of obtaining empirical data for the Lebanese case are also acknowledged.
2. The Theory of Nationalist Art: This chapter delves into the theoretical framework of nationalist art. It defines nationalist art, drawing upon the work of David E.W. Fenner, as artificial objects that support the assertion of a people's self-identity in the international arena. The chapter explores the contributions of various thinkers, including Plato, Tolstoy, and Marx, to understanding the nature and power of art in fostering national sentiments. It emphasizes the importance of patriotism, communication, and historical and political context in shaping nationalist art. The chapter further examines the role of ethnicity, nationalism, and identity, emphasizing the constructed nature of shared values, beliefs, and cultural practices, and the significance of "shared forgetting" in overcoming internal divisions. The chapter concludes by highlighting how nationalist art can support a nation's survival and political ascendancy through propaganda and the preservation of its history and culture.
3. Art and Nationalist Phenomena in Greece, Québec and Israel: This chapter presents case studies of Greece, Quebec, and Israel, examining how art and cultural practices have contributed to the formation and maintenance of national identities. In Greece, the Greek Orthodox Church played a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage against Ottoman domination. Quebec, while not a fully independent state, uses legislation to protect its distinct French-Canadian culture and identity. Israel, facing diverse Jewish communities, utilized language, currency, and the establishment of Judaism as the state religion to forge a national identity in the face of external threats and internal diversity. Each case demonstrates how, under particular conditions of internal unity and external pressures, the function of art and nationalist movements can establish and sustain national identity.
4. The Lebanese Case: This chapter focuses on the Lebanese experience, contrasting it with the case studies previously discussed. An interview with an expert in Arab art reveals that a significant, politically-motivated art movement was limited to the period of Pan-Arabism. The chapter explores the challenges facing Lebanon in building a unified national identity. Unlike Greece or Israel where a degree of internal unity existed, Lebanon grapples with deep-seated religious sectarianism, foreign intervention, and a legacy of civil war. These factors create a complex context where traditional unifying elements such as religion, language, and heritage are not readily agreed upon, creating significant obstacles to the development of a unified national identity through art. The chapter argues that the pervasive religious sectarianism and lack of a strong civil society prevent the formation of a cohesive national identity that could be strengthened through art. Lebanese artists, it is argued, are generally detached from political and sectarian issues, prioritizing artistic expression over political messaging.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Nationalist art, national identity, Lebanon, Greece, Quebec, Israel, cultural preservation, sectarianism, religious identity, ethnicity, nationalism, political identity, art and politics, cultural symbols, collective memory, internal divisions, external pressures, Pan-Arabism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes the role of art in the struggle for national identity, focusing on the Lebanese case and comparing it to Greece, Quebec, and Israel. It examines how art contributes to the creation and preservation of national identity within different contexts, considering the impact of internal divisions and external pressures.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include the theory of nationalist art and its mechanisms; case studies of national identity formation in Greece, Quebec, and Israel; the challenges to national identity formation in Lebanon; the role of art (or lack thereof) in shaping Lebanese national identity; and the impact of internal divisions and external factors on national identity.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: An introduction outlining the complexities of national identity, particularly in Lebanon; a chapter on the theory of nationalist art; a chapter presenting case studies of Greece, Quebec, and Israel; and a final chapter focusing specifically on the Lebanese case and its unique challenges.
What is the argument regarding the Lebanese case?
The paper argues that deep-seated internal divisions in Lebanon, especially those based on religion, hinder the formation of a unified Lebanese national identity. Unlike Greece or Israel, where a degree of internal unity existed, Lebanon grapples with religious sectarianism, foreign intervention, and a legacy of civil war, preventing the development of a cohesive national identity strengthened through art. Lebanese artists are generally detached from political and sectarian issues.
How does the paper define nationalist art?
The paper defines nationalist art, drawing upon David E.W. Fenner, as artificial objects that support the assertion of a people's self-identity in the international arena. It emphasizes the importance of patriotism, communication, and historical and political context in shaping such art.
What role does art play in national identity formation, according to the paper?
The paper explores how art can contribute to creating and preserving national identity by solidifying cultural symbols and creating a sense of belonging. However, it also highlights how internal divisions and external pressures can significantly impact the role and effectiveness of art in this process. The Lebanese case study demonstrates that a lack of internal unity can hinder the use of art for national identity building.
What are some of the challenges to national identity formation highlighted in the paper?
The paper discusses several challenges, including deep-seated religious sectarianism (as seen in Lebanon), foreign intervention, legacies of civil war, and the lack of a strong civil society. These factors can create significant obstacles to developing a unified national identity.
What case studies are used for comparison?
The paper uses Greece, Quebec, and Israel as comparative case studies to illuminate the conditions necessary for a thriving national identity where art plays a significant role. Each case demonstrates how, under particular conditions of internal unity and external pressures, the function of art and nationalist movements can establish and sustain national identity.
What are the key takeaways from the Greek, Quebec, and Israeli case studies?
These case studies highlight the importance of internal unity and external pressures in shaping national identity through art. Greece used its Orthodox Church, Quebec uses legislation to protect its culture, and Israel utilized language, currency, and religion to forge a national identity in the face of challenges.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Nationalist art, national identity, Lebanon, Greece, Quebec, Israel, cultural preservation, sectarianism, religious identity, ethnicity, nationalism, political identity, art and politics, cultural symbols, collective memory, internal divisions, external pressures, Pan-Arabism.
- Quote paper
- Farshad Mohammad-Avvali (Author), 2005, The role of art in the struggle for a national identity in Lebanon, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/59641
