Symbols: Old New explores how societies intentionally craft national symbols after revolutions to represent new identities and political ideals. It delves into the creation of flags, monuments, and national seals, revealing how visual culture shapes political transformation. The book highlights that this process is not merely superficial; it signifies a fundamental shift in collective memory and values, reflecting a conscious effort to establish a new national identity.
The book examines the deliberate destruction of old symbols and the subsequent design of new ones, showing how revolutionary leaders used these tools to consolidate power. For example, creating national flags to inspire allegiance. The concept of iconoclasm is key, illustrating how removing old symbols delegitimized the previous regime.
The book underscores the power dynamics and ideological conflicts inherent in these transformations, which often involve negotiation and compromise. The book progresses from theoretical frameworks to case studies of flag design, national holidays, monuments, and seals. It analyzes the success of these symbols in fostering national unity and addresses the ongoing debates surrounding them. By focusing on the agency of revolutionary actors, Symbols: Old New provides a fresh perspective on how national identities are constructed and contested through visual representation.
