Abstract
This chapter investigates the concept of minzu among the Sibe people, providing a discourse analysis of Sibe ethnic identity construction. This genealogical examination, utilizing a Foucauldian approach, dissects both cadre-written history and collaborative online narratives from social media. The focus is on the conceptualization and institutionalization of the Sibe as a minzu subject. This work posits that Sibe ethnicity is a product of power dynamics and discursive practices reflective of their historical, social, and cultural milieus, challenging the notion of a pre-existing minzu identity. It underscores the need for critique of knowledge production and power interplay in minzu identity formation, emphasizing the complex relationship between discourse and power in shaping ethnic identity. Additionally, this chapter examines how the psychological construction of minzu in Chinese society served as a ground for defining ethnicity and self-identity among the Sibe, highlighting the impact of media technicity. It explores the changes in text-reader interactions brought about by media technicity, illustrating how this shift, from traditional media outlets to social media, is redefining Sibe ethnic identity through their reading of history.
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Notes
- 1.
Banjin Inenggi is considered the national day for Manju. It is on the 13th day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar. For details of the Banjin Inenggi festival, please see Manchublog (2006).
- 2.
Manju is a concept of the people whose ancestor is Jurchen and live in the Northeast of China; hence, Manju supposedly includes Sibe, Manchu, and Oroqen. It is a concept of people associated with an idea of the territory of the Northeast of China that is promoted mainly by Manchu on their social media platforms. See: Manju xu wen kvwaran (2013).
- 3.
WeChat Moment is a feature within the WeChat app, a popular social media platform in China. It is similar to a timeline or news feed where users can share updates, photos, videos, and articles with their friends and followers. It allows users to post content that can be viewed by their contacts for a limited period of time before it disappears. WeChat Moment serves as a platform for users to share their daily activities, thoughts, and experiences with their social network. It is a way for people to stay connected, engage with each other's posts, and interact through comments and likes.
- 4.
For the politics involved in the Chinese nation’s inclusion and exclusion of Genghis Khan, see Baker (2006).
- 5.
For a snapshot of the visual content he uploaded to Social media, see, A3. (2015, October 10). Xibo Xiaozi Xun Meng Zhi Lu [My Journey to Home Temple]. [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://m.v.qq.com/x/page/g/z/5/g03009danz5.html?coverid=&from=timeline&isappinstalled=1.
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Hao, L. (2023). The Evolution of Minzu Among the Sibe. In: Minzu as Technology . Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5402-5_3
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