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Australia & Oceania - Tahiti Beyond the Postcard: Power, Place, and Everyday Life (Culture, Place, and Nature)

Description

Book Synopsis: Winner of the 2013 ICAS Book Prize (Social Sciences) The "Tahiti" that most people imagine - white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and beautiful women - is a product of 18th century European romanticism and persists today as the bedrock of Tahiti's tourism industry. This postcard image, however, masks a different reality. The dreams and desires that the tourism industry promotes distract from the medical nightmares and environmental destruction caused by France's 30-year nuclear testing program in French Polynesia. Tahitians see the burying of a bomb in their land as deeply offensive. For Tahitians, the land abounds with ancestral fertility, and genealogical identity, and is a source of physical and spiritual nourishment. These imagined and lived perspectives seem incompatible, yet are intricately intertwined in the political economy. Tahiti Beyond the Postcard engages with questions about the subtle but ubiquitous ways in which power entangles itself in place-related ways. Miriam Kahn uses interpretive frameworks of both Tahitian and European scholars, drawing upon ethnographic details that include ancient chants, picture postcards, antinuclear protests, popular song lyrics, and the legacy of Paul Gauguin's art, to provide fresh perspectives on colonialism, tourism, imagery, and the anthropology of place.

Details

Escape the cliché image of Tahiti and dive deep into the real cultural nuances and everyday life of the Polynesian islands with the award-winning book "Tahiti Beyond the Postcard". Uncover the hidden truths behind the picturesque postcard scenes and discover the complexities of power, place, and nature in this captivating narrative.

Delve into the intricate tapestry of Tahitian society, where ancient traditions clash with modern influences, offering a unique perspective on the impact of colonialism, tourism, and environmental issues. Miriam Kahn's insightful analysis sheds light on the multifaceted layers of Tahitian culture, inviting readers to reconsider their preconceived notions of this enchanting paradise.

Explore the rich heritage of Tahiti through the lens of both Tahitian and European scholars, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural dynamics at play. From the legacy of Paul Gauguin's art to the echoes of antinuclear protests, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities that shape Tahiti's identity and its enduring struggle for autonomy.

Experience Tahiti beyond the confines of a postcard and embark on a journey of discovery with "Tahiti Beyond the Postcard". Uncover the hidden narratives that lie beneath the surface of this idyllic destination and immerse yourself in a world where tradition meets modernity, and where power and place intersect in unexpected ways.

Discover the untold stories of Tahiti beyond the postcard today!

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