Heritage, Tradition and Globalisation (MLLS 406) Contextualising Globalisation, Culture and Lifestyle Lecture VII Daniel Turner and Jenny Flinn

Defining Heritage Despite strong links with the past it is suggested by McCrone et al (1995) that heritage is a thoroughly modern concept. While heritage is associated with tradition and history this is a tenuous link. Heritage is all about our interpretation of the past.

Heritage as a (post) modern phenomenon It is suggested by Urry (2002) that the development of heritage has links with the de-industrialisation process. Commodifying the past for consumption. Nostalgia as a ‘contemporary epidemic’.

Heritage and Authenticity “the question is not whether we should or should not preserve the past, but what kind of past we have chosen to preserve” (Urry, 2002:99). We choose to preserve the ‘best bits’ of the past. Therefore, we have to question the authenticity of heritage and tradition. Authenticity as a thoroughly modern concept. MacCannell’s (1976) notion of staged authenticity may be more appropriate.

Heritage and Identity In a postmodern, globalised world ‘all that is solid melts into air’ (Marx and Engels, in Rojek, 1995). 2 options – seek solace in the past (traditions), abandon yourself to maelstrom of post-modern identity creation. Heritage and tradition can provide an ontological anchor.

The Scottish Highland Games International spread of Highland Games ◦ Engagement of Scottish diaspora ◦ Tartanry and national heritage ◦ Consumption and membership Scottish political-economic desire to develop a cosmopolitan identity to tap US markets using Scots diaspora as entry point. Contrast with diaspora’s own use of traditional Scottish events and festivals as collective cultural reference point Diasporia as the ‘gatekeepers’ of Scottish identity in US