Constructions of cultural memory Research Paper

Constructions of ethnical retrospect - Research Paper ExampleMy research questions are How is the cultural memory of Tiananmen Square Protests represented in the chosen resources and what are the changes that these memories seem to anticipate and contest for? How does the event continue to make history? Witty and Calhoun both represent the events cultural memory by describing some of the most critical turning points of the Tiananmen Square protests, although Witty emphasizes rebellion against autarchy through the Tank Mans scene, while Calhoun analyzes the actions and thoughts of people who were in the midst of shaping pop ideals in their own terms. Figure 1 Wideners Photo of the Tank Man Source Widener (1989 in Witty) In the article, Behind the Scenes Tank Man of Tiananmen, Witty uses four photos of the Tank Man to represent distinguishable perspectives of the Tiananmen Square Protests, where these assures try to underline that this human race symbolizes the struggles of all ordinary people against government repression and corruption, but because of inadequacy of violence of some photos, it somehow hides the gruesome effects of the governments crackdown on the protesters. ... The cultural memory focuses on four tanks that are ready to crush all those who oppose and criticize the state and nonpareil man who will not be crushed at all. The light post represents urban pose through manifesting technology and modernity. The action of the man against the tanks and the cropped lamp post together signify that non-violent action is light in the darkness because rationality meets irrationality. Standing tall like the lamp post, the Tank Man symbolizes democracy and hope for the people. The photo further shows that the tanks are approaching and one man with his shopping bags stand in the first place them. Like others before him, the Tank Man stands in front of the states military tools, a memory which argues that he, as well as other ordinary people like him , will fight for democracy anytime and he will not even need tanks to do it. He only needs his resolve and principles, which hundreds to thousands others already offered when they died the night of the Chinese governments crackdown. The photo argues that the state does not have absolute indicator because the people have power to fight for what is absolutely right for them- the right to oppose and to replace a corrupt and oppressive government. Furthermore, from Wittys article, the Tiananmen Square protests continue to make history because it portrays an ordinary mans greatest act of courage and integrity against symbols of oppression. The photo shows that the Tank Man seems to be an blot employee with his white shirt and black pants. He is an ordinary man with two white shopping bags, the image of an urban dweller that the state wants to control. The photo argues that he is one man against the states violence, and just because he has had enough, he will stand for his principles o f