Writing a Myth: Creating a National Identity Through Literature
Clark Blaise introduces the speakers of the panel discussion. The panel explores the ways in which nations project an idea of themselves, either by reshaping existing myths of founding and creation, or by inventing a unifying concept that defines the nation or the regime. Bharati Mukherjee begins by discussing her experiences with the cultures of India and America. Mukherjee also talks about national mythologies and the imaginary homeland that immigrants have when they leave their country behind. Rodrigo Fresán is a novelist from Argentina; he argues that Argentina is still trying to figure out who it is and posits that its national identity lies in its complete lack of a national identity. Gundega Repse discusses the historical and psychological reasons for the national identity of Latvia. Othman bin Puteh talks about avoiding censorship by writing stories in the past tense and using fictitious characters.
In: International Writing Program Archive
Authors: Bharati Mukherjee , Rodrigo Fresán, Gundega Repse, Puteh Othman
Date Recorded: September 04, 1996
Program: --
Format: discussion
Contributors: Clark Blaise
Topics: Myths; national mythology; national identity; Argentina; India; religion; historical, political, and linguistic mythology; Latvia; censorship; Malaysia; cultures; customs