What is 'the news' and how does it differ from 'news'? The latter speaks to power, diversity of news media, and multiple publics. This dissertation is an ethnographic study of 'the news' and 'news... Show moreWhat is 'the news' and how does it differ from 'news'? The latter speaks to power, diversity of news media, and multiple publics. This dissertation is an ethnographic study of 'the news' and 'news' in, respectively, an institutional and a popular public on the Dutch Caribbean islands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The metaphor of the ‘glasshouse’ refers to how social life on these islands took shape under Dutch colonial rule and has since evolved as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Like (real) glasshouses, built as regulated atmospheres to optimize the growth of plants outside their natural habitat, I argue that as part of the Dutch colonial project Curaçao and Sint Maarten were designed and regulated as social environments according to capitalist principles. Yet, as unruly transformations emerge in (real) glasshouses, so do unforeseen flowering and mushrooming take place on Curaçao and Sint Maarten. With a focus on news as a social process that generates common, contested, and at times cathartic senses of belonging, this dissertation aims to broaden the understanding of what 'news' means and does, while showing how everyday dynamics of 'the news' and 'news' articulate the creative transformations around (re)imagining and constructing the island communities. Show less
Although the Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War, its population was nonetheless affected by the war. Already in the 1920s and 1930s, Dutch journalists wrote about the... Show moreAlthough the Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War, its population was nonetheless affected by the war. Already in the 1920s and 1930s, Dutch journalists wrote about the possibility of a war in which the Netherlands would also be involved. From the early 1920s to the German invasion in May 1940, journalists, political commentators, politicians, military officials and civilians were occupied by the question what tomorrow’s war might look like. This book captures their efforts and brings to life the cultural memories of the First World War and the expectations for the war to come.By focusing on the dynamics of cultural memories, predictions for the future, and the resultant fear and anxiety, this book provides a better understanding of the ways in which the cultural memories of the Great War and expectations for a future war were part of Dutch society. It draws from a wide array of sources, ranging from newspaper clippings, novels, films and theatre plays to political cartoons and paintings. Most importantly, this study has a unique perspective. Whereas most existing studies look back from the Second World War, this book instead looks forward from the interbellum. Show less
