The Semiotics of Anthropological Authenticity: How Cultures Change to Fit Their Media Image

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Periodical article

Title:	The Semiotics of Anthropological Authenticity: How Cultures Change to Fit Their Media Image
Author:	Tomaselli, Keyan G.
Year:	1999-2001
Periodical:	Journal of Natal and Zulu History
Volume:	19
Pages:	63-72
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	South Africa Natal
Subjects:	images ethnic groups tourism Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Literature, Mass Media and the Press Development and Technology
Abstract:	Cultural tourism commodifies the encounter between tourists and indigenous people. This article examines the relationship between media constructions of First and indigenous peoples, and the 'performative primitives' who are employed in 'cultural' villages in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). Specifically, it analyses how the marketing of cultural villages, authenticity and indigenous artifacts replicate common sense discourses about Same (Europe) and Other (Africa) and how Western stereotypes of 'people' as 'primitives' impact conservation and development policies. Bibliogr., notes, ref.