The history of mankind is filled with examples of societies that have tried to shape their identity through the construction of national mythologies. These stories create a sense of shared heritage, purpose, and meaning for members of a community who may otherwise be geographically or culturally diverse. In some cases, these narratives can become so powerful that they are used to justify certain beliefs and actions, even if they are at odds with reality. This process is known as politicization, which involves using political discourse to promote a particular ideology or agenda. One way in which this has happened in recent decades is through the phenomenon of "eroticizing" national mythology – the act of making a nation's collective memories more sensual and sexually charged in order to better reflect its values and aspirations.
In an era where globalization has made borders more porous than ever before, many nations are seeking ways to assert their unique identities against the forces of globalization. To do this, they often look back to their pasts, examining their own histories and traditions for clues about what makes them distinct from other countries. At the same time, however, there is increasing interest in exploring the role of sexuality in shaping human behavior and experience. By combining these two trends, some governments have chosen to emphasize eroticism in their public discourses, hoping to use it as a tool for strengthening national cohesion.
One example of this strategy can be seen in the case of Japan. Since the early 20th century, Japan has been struggling to come to terms with its colonial history, during which it conquered large swaths of Asia under the slogan of the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere." In recent years, the country has sought to distance itself from this period by focusing on its prewar identity as a peaceful and harmonious society. As part of this project, Japanese officials have begun highlighting the country's traditional aesthetic sensibilities, including its emphasis on beauty and grace. This approach was most clearly evident in the construction of the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which serves as a tribute to those who died fighting for the nation. The shrine features intricately carved pillars and statuary that evoke the style of ancient Buddhist temples, as well as gardens designed according to the principles of Zen Buddhism. Visitors are asked to wear quiet, subdued colors and to avoid loud or aggressive behavior while visiting the site.
Another example can be found in India. The country has long been known for its colorful and vibrant culture, with elaborate festivals like Holi celebrating the arrival of spring and Diwali marking the triumph of good over evil. Recently, however, there has been an effort to make these celebrations more eroticized, with women dancing in skimpy costumes and men engaging in public displays of affection. This trend is being driven by the government, which sees sexual liberation as a way of bolstering national pride. It also reflects India's growing economic clout – the country is now home to some of the world's largest companies, and is increasingly seen as a major player on the global stage.
What does it mean for a nation to eroticize its own political mythology?
Eroticizing one's political mythology involves intertwining sexuality with national identity and pride. Nations often utilize propaganda, symbols, and myths to create an image of patriotism, strength, and superiority that their citizens can identify with and feel proud of. By linking sexually suggestive imagery or language to these concepts, they aim to increase arousal, passion, and loyalty among individuals.