KOESTER, David (U Alaska Fairbanks) Internalizations and Representations of Global
and Local Perspectives in the Long History of Icelandic-Danish Colonial Relations
The Icelandic independence movement began largely in the
early nineteenth century and culminated with the end of the last
vestiges of Danish colonial rule in 1944. Denmark's long
domination and Icelanders' sustained literary and diplomatic
struggle provide a unique view of global and local aspects of
colonial rule and anti-colonial activities in an entirely European
context. Icelandic national self-awareness goes back to early
days of its settlement, over a thousand years ago; defensive
nationalism dates to at least the sixteenth century, and strivings
for independence go back well over a century. This paper examines
the place and history of social theoretic ideas of ethnic national
identity in the colonial and anti-colonial politics of Iceland's
relations with Denmark. In particular, it examines the
intersection of ethnic and political representations of national
selves, others and onlooking third parties and the history of the
reflexive interweaving of global perspectives in such ideas as
Icelanders' portrayals to Danes of European's perceptions of
Iceland, or Danish perceptions of European perceptions of Danish
treatment of Icelanders. Seemingly convoluted and contrived,
perceptions of perceptions of perceptions and portrayals of
portrayals of portrayals by and for selves and others are the
common stuff of social and political life. In this case, they
constitute a focal point for a historical and juridical struggle
for independence within both locally and globally oriented
ideological movements.
keywords: colonialism, Europe, Iceland