The Korean demilitarized zone might be among the most heavily guarded places on earth; but it also provides passage for thousands of defectors; spies; political emissaries; war prisoners; activists; tourists; and others testing the limits of Korean division. This book focuses on a diverse selection of inter-Korean border crossers and the citizenship they acquire based on emotional affiliation rather than constitutional delineation. Using their physical bodies and emotions as optimal frontiers; these individuals resist the state's right to draw geopolitical borders and define their national identity.Drawing on sources that range from North Korean documentary films; museum exhibitions; and theater productions to protester perspectives and interviews with South Korean officials and activists; this volume recasts the history of Korean division and draws a much more nuanced portrait of the region's Cold War legacies. The book ultimately helps readers conceive of the DMZ as a dynamic summation of personalized experiences rather than as a fixed site of historical significance.
#1326699 in Books 2014-06-03Original language:FrenchPDF # 1 8.90 x .70 x 5.90l; .80 #File Name: 0231151012264 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Unique perspectiveBy Robert B. MillerA unique perspective religion using comparative analysis of US and French societies. Some great quotes; not your standard fare.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Insightful analysis of religion in American politicsBy Ellen HamptonThis is a strong analysis of the role of religion in the American political landscape; particularly pointing out the nuance in specific areas that are frequently misinterpreted at face value. Denis Lacorne is a French professor of political science whose informed outsider view brings the distance required to tease out fundamental threads of American culture from the larger political weave. His analysis of presidents and presidential candidates' use of religion in campaigning and positioning in the culture is astute and enlightening. At the same time; Lacorne's perspective leads to a long analysis of the French historiography on American religiosity; but then declines to develop a full comparison of the two nations' positions on secularity in governance; which IMHO would have been useful. He does a good job of revealing the exaggerated shadow of the Puritans; particularly as seen from abroad (the French tend to blame anything remotely conservative about American society on the Puritans). It would have been interesting to consider regional differences of religion in politics; but perhaps that would require another book! All told; an excellent and insightful look at the crossroads of American religion and politics.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A bit of a niche interestBy Papa ReddenIf a survey of French thought about the role of religion in America sounds interesting to you; then this book will do the trick. The writing is accessible; the criticism; fact correction; and context is helpful; and it's a quick read.
