|
Title |
Splendid China - Reconstruction of Chinese geography Under Anti-communism |
|
Author |
Choi, Mal-Soon |
|
Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Taiwanese Literature, National Chengchi University |
|
|
Abstract |
This research aims to investigate the journal articles related to the reconstruction of the memory of Chinese geography during the period of anti-communism. While reviewing comprehensive literary magazines such as Unhindered Flows and The Rambler published in the 1950s in Taiwan, one can easily find plenty of articles about the memory of Chinese geography. Classic scenic landscapes and historic relics frequently appear in these articles, as a medium for nostalgia, a reaffirmation of classic aesthetic, and moreover, a mental foundation of counterattack against the mainland. For example, Dilatation upon splendid China published in 1975 is an integrated combination of the reconstruction of Chinese geography and a comprehensive display of Chinese territory. The book is written by Sifen Guo and decorated by Naiyong Chen with more than 700 delicate illustrations. In this book, the Chinese territory is divided into 6 regions and then written in 40 sections according to provinces. The geographical location, topographical features, history, development overview, population distribution, climate and special products are all described in details as the basic knowledge of a national ruler. The historic relics, anecdotes, and natural landscapes are also introduced. From the view of memory politics and spatial identity, this research paper attempts to inquiry into the meaning of and reasons for the abundant articles related to the reconstruction of Chinese geography during the period of anti-communism. At here, the word “memory” is a common cultural and experience rather than experience by an individual. Therefore, it is crucial to realize the social process which forms, propagates, and remakes the “memory”, and it is also important to understand the political power and ideology which control that process. Investigation of the cultural value of the society, the characteristics of the group and the trajectory of traditional culture is also needed. This research paper demonstrates the analysis of the reconstruction of Chinese geography in articles by immigrated literati from China to Taiwan under anti-communism, and the investigation on their political, social and cultural roles. The above work is a part of the author’s research on the ideology of anti-communism, and this is also an academic foundation of understanding the generation of social knowledge and its discussion structure in the period of anti-communism. |
