Mýty „malého národa“ – Koloniální vize v české kultuře
| Title in English | Myths of the "Small Nation" – Colonial Visions in Czech Culture |
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| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Requested lectures |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | RAMPLEY, Matthew. Mýty „malého národa“ – Koloniální vize v české kultuře (Myths of the "Small Nation" – Colonial Visions in Czech Culture). In Věda na Hradě. 2024. |
| Description | Recently, a public debate has flared up around the suggestion that some national institutions in the Czech Republic should “decolonise themselves.” The idea has been rejected because the Czechs have historically never ruled over any colonial territory. It is well known that some individuals have harboured colonial fantasies, but this is, it is argued, very different from the claim that Czech culture and society need to be “decolonised.” So what does it mean when it is said that institutions in the Czech Republic should examine their colonial heritage? This lecture will examine these claims and their motivations. Do they stand up to critical analysis? Looking back at the history of Czech culture since the late 19th century, is it right to demand that Czech culture decolonise itself, or is this argument based on the importation of ideas and debates that have very little relevance in the Czech context? |