(TibetanReview.net, Sep04’24) – Some top museums in France have succumbed to China by going along with the latter’s propaganda distortion of history and silencing of the cultures of minority groups, including those concerning Tibet, reported decotidien.com, citing a collective of experts. The development has sparked a heated debate about the implications of such actions on historical accuracy and cultural preservation, the report said.
In particular, the Musee du quai Branly and the Musee Guimet, two renowned institutions in France, have come under scrutiny for having complied with Chinese demands to rewrite history and erase the identities of non-Han peoples who have been assimilated or annexed by the PRC. This disturbing trend has raised concerns about the preservation of diverse cultural narratives and the autonomy of historical representation in museum settings, the report said.
Citing one “glaring example”, the report said that “this erasure” of culture can be seen in the Musee du quai Branly, where the term “Tibet” has been replaced with the Chinese designation “autonomous region of Xizang” in the catalogue of Tibetan artifacts.
This alteration reflects the enforcement of a law passed in 2023 by the PRC, which aims to eliminate any mention of Tibet as a distinct entity with its own history and heritage. By succumbing to Chinese pressure, the museum has effectively whitewashed the Tibetan identity and obscured the painful realities of occupation and colonization that have defined its past, the report said.
Likewise, the report continued, the Musee Guimet has opted to use the term “Himalayan world” instead of “Tibet” in its exhibition spaces dedicated to the region.
“This subtle yet significant change echoes the broader narrative dictated by Beijing, which seeks to downplay the unique cultural heritage of Tibetans and subsume it within a homogeneous Chinese identity,” the report said.
The report sees these as a general trend in France in which certain French institutions, including universities hosting Confucius Institutes, have become unwitting conduits for Chinese propaganda and censorship. These institutes, funded by the Chinese government, promote a sanitized version of Chinese history and culture that aligns with the narrative endorsed by Beijing. By collaborating with these entities, museums risk perpetuating a distorted view of history that prioritizes the interests of the PRC over academic integrity and cultural diversity, the report said.
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Museums are forced to navigate between appeasing Chinese authorities and preserving the integrity of their collections in a situation where China exerts increasing influence on the global stage, leading to institutions prioritizing the maintaining of diplomatic relations and securing access to Chinese resources over upholding ethical standards and historical accuracy.
The report calls on museums to uphold their role as custodians of knowledge and champions of cultural heritage by resisting external pressures to distort historical narratives and erase marginalized voices. This is imperative for French museums to reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom and cultural diversity.
The report also called on stakeholders in the cultural sector to engage in meaningful dialogue and advocacy to ensure that museums remain spaces of education, reflection, and empowerment for all communities.
The report said the recent controversies, to which a collective of researchers had brought attention concerning French museums’ compliance with Chinese demands, highlight the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of historical representation and cultural preservation.
By confronting external pressures and asserting their autonomy, museums can reaffirm their dedication to truth, diversity, and inclusivity in the face of mounting challenges. It is crucial for all stakeholders to stand united in defence of intellectual freedom and cultural integrity, ensuring that museums continue to serve as beacons of knowledge and understanding in an increasingly complex world, the report said.