Cultural heritage policy has been an essential tool for preserving various cultural artifacts such as monuments, objects, artworks, buildings, landscapes, traditions, languages, customs, and so on. It is often considered as one of the most effective ways to safeguard and promote cultural diversity and identity.
There have been numerous debates about how cultural heritage policies can be used to protect the voice of marginalized groups who are often left out from mainstream discourse. In this essay, I will explore how cultural heritage policies can preserve these voices through three specific examples - the preservation of indigenous cultures, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Indigenous Cultures
Indigenous cultures around the world have faced countless challenges in terms of their survival due to colonialism, imperialism, racism, and other forms of oppression. The preservation of indigenous cultures requires more than just physical items or structures; it also involves intangible aspects such as language, knowledge, values, beliefs, etc., which are often at risk of being lost. Cultural heritage policies can play a significant role in ensuring that indigenous communities retain their unique identity by providing opportunities to tell their own stories, share their perspectives, and pass down their history to future generations.
The American Indian Movement (AIM) was formed in the 1960s to advocate for the rights of Native Americans and resist assimilation efforts by the US government. AIM demanded self-determination, including control over their lands, resources, and educational institutions. They were successful in establishing various laws such as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and the National Museum of the American Indian Act. These laws helped to preserve indigenous languages, ceremonies, traditions, arts, and ways of life that would otherwise be lost if not for the efforts made by indigenous activists. Similarly, the Maori people of New Zealand have preserved their culture through the preservation of land, language, and artforms, including carving, weaving, and singing. Their unique way of life has been maintained and celebrated through cultural centers, museums, festivals, and cultural events, making them one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the country.
Gender Equality
Gender equality is another important aspect of cultural heritage policy that should be addressed. Historically, women have played essential roles in society but have been marginalized due to patriarchal societies and dominant narratives. Women's voices have often been silenced or underrepresented in cultural policies, which can lead to the loss of valuable knowledge and experiences. In response, some countries have taken steps to include gender perspectives in heritage policies, highlighting the contributions of women and promoting gender equity.
Sweden has a law requiring equal representation of men and women in public monuments and statues. This ensures that women are represented alongside men, acknowledging their contributions to history and culture. India has also introduced legislation on the protection of cultural property that specifically addresses the importance of women's participation in cultural activities such as music, dance, and literature.
There are initiatives like the UNESCO Memory of the World program, which recognizes the role of women in creating and maintaining knowledge systems, including oral traditions, genealogies, rituals, and folklore. These measures help to preserve women's voices and ensure that they are not erased from history or overshadowed by male-dominated narratives.
LGBTQ+ Rights
The LGBTQ+ community has faced similar challenges regarding cultural identity and preservation. They have been marginalized and oppressed for centuries because of their sexual orientation or gender identities, leading to the erasure of queer histories and cultures.
Recent years have seen a shift towards recognizing and celebrating LGBTQ+ identities through cultural policies.
Museums worldwide now display exhibits dedicated to queer history and art, showcasing the unique contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. Countries like Australia, Brazil, and Canada have established rainbow crosswalks, memorials, and other public spaces to commemorate LGBTQ+ people who have been impacted by violence or discrimination. The Netherlands is another example with its Museum voor Homosexualiteit en Ondernemerschap (Museum for Homosexuality and Entrepreneurship), which documents the history of gay rights movements and activism. These examples demonstrate how cultural heritage policy can be used to protect and promote the voice of minority groups, creating space for them to tell their stories and experiences.
Cultural heritage policies play an essential role in preserving marginalized voices that may otherwise go unheard. By including indigenous perspectives, promoting gender equality, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, heritage policies can ensure that these communities are not left out of mainstream narratives. It is crucial to acknowledge the importance of diverse cultures and recognize the contributions of underrepresented groups in our society to create more inclusive societies.
How does cultural heritage policy preserve marginalized voices?
There are many ways that cultural heritage policies can be used to preserve marginalized voices. One way is through the recognition of traditional knowledge systems and practices. This means that Indigenous communities can share their stories, language, songs, dances, ceremonies, and other forms of culture with the wider public. Another way is by creating opportunities for historically excluded groups to participate in decision-making processes related to cultural heritage management.