Memories of May '68

France's Convenient Consensus

Nonfiction, History, France, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Memories of May '68 by Chris Reynolds, University of Wales Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Chris Reynolds ISBN: 9781783164790
Publisher: University of Wales Press Publication: September 15, 2011
Imprint: University of Wales Press Language: English
Author: Chris Reynolds
ISBN: 9781783164790
Publisher: University of Wales Press
Publication: September 15, 2011
Imprint: University of Wales Press
Language: English

For over forty years now, the French events of 1968 have been the focus of much attention both within France and beyond. While mai 68 is certainly seen as a watershed in the development of French society, a common narrative that portrays it in an increasingly reductive light has become prevalent. In fact it is less and less portrayed as the very serious nationwide crisis and largest strike in French history but more as a bon-enfant tantrum led principally by a spoilt generation of Parisian students intent on wreaking havoc during a period of much required – and today much longed for – political and economic stability. 2008 saw a continuation in the decennial commemorations that have been fundamental in shaping the doxa and thus furnished an excellent opportunity to assess any developments in how these events are represented, perceived and remembered. How and why has the common narrative come to dominate representations? What has been the impact on how the events are perceived by today’s youth? To what extent does this interpretation fall short of painting the entire picture? This study answers such questions by arguing that the memory of 1968 has been shaped and cultivated in such a way that undermines its true magnitude. Why this is the case, who benefits from the dominance of this consensus and to what extent the history of 1968 is retrievable are the questions that underpin Memories of mai 68: France’s Convenient Consensus.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For over forty years now, the French events of 1968 have been the focus of much attention both within France and beyond. While mai 68 is certainly seen as a watershed in the development of French society, a common narrative that portrays it in an increasingly reductive light has become prevalent. In fact it is less and less portrayed as the very serious nationwide crisis and largest strike in French history but more as a bon-enfant tantrum led principally by a spoilt generation of Parisian students intent on wreaking havoc during a period of much required – and today much longed for – political and economic stability. 2008 saw a continuation in the decennial commemorations that have been fundamental in shaping the doxa and thus furnished an excellent opportunity to assess any developments in how these events are represented, perceived and remembered. How and why has the common narrative come to dominate representations? What has been the impact on how the events are perceived by today’s youth? To what extent does this interpretation fall short of painting the entire picture? This study answers such questions by arguing that the memory of 1968 has been shaped and cultivated in such a way that undermines its true magnitude. Why this is the case, who benefits from the dominance of this consensus and to what extent the history of 1968 is retrievable are the questions that underpin Memories of mai 68: France’s Convenient Consensus.

More books from University of Wales Press

Cover of the book The Arthurian Place Names of Wales by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book Ethics Under Fire by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book From Depression to Devolution by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book The Practical Guide to Buying and Running a Smallholding in Wales by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book Wales and the Bomb by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book The Arthur of the North by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book Fleeing Franco by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book Anchoritism in the Middle Ages by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book On Ops by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book The Best Australian Science Writing 2012 by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book Cinema and the Republic by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book Disconnected by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book A History of the Modern Australian University by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book Gone Viral: The Germs That Share Our Lives by Chris Reynolds
Cover of the book The Gothic Ideology by Chris Reynolds
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy