The phenomenon and problem of deconstruction of colonial narratives: theory and practical perspectives

Abstract

Introduction. Historical experience has clearly proven that Muscovite rulers aim not only to liquidate Ukrainian statehood but also to destroy Ukrainian identity. In practice, this leads to a consistent colonial policy, including the media promotion of Russian colonial narratives. Our research is devoted to the issue of the deconstruction of colonial narratives.

Relevance and Aim. The relevance of the work lies in developing a theoretical basis for formulating a methodology for the deconstruction of colonial narratives in the practice of decolonization of the Ukrainian information environment. The aim of the article is to conceptualize the phenomenon of the narrative as fundamental to the practice of deconstructing colonial narratives.

Methodology. The methodology of the proposed research is determined by its theoretical nature. The methods employed were used due to their ability to ensure a comprehensive and objective analysis of the subject of research and to achieve the stated aim. Specifically, the method of information retrieval was used to select scholarly literature dedicated to the chosen issues. The formal-logical method contributed to defining the content of the concepts "narrative" and "deconstruction of narratives." The generalization method was applied to formulate the research conclusions.

Results. It is shown that in modern scholarship, attention to the phenomenon of the narrative is dictated by its importance in shaping the values and identity of modern individuals and society through media outlets. The provisions of various concepts within narrative theory that have methodological potential for the effective deconstruction of colonial narratives are summarized. The understanding of the deconstruction of colonial narratives is substantiated as a critical reflection on the entire colonial discourse and its influence on the intellectual, value, and moral aspects of the social life of an ethnic group striving to shed its colonial past and prevent its revival in the future.

Conclusions. It is argued that colonial narratives are the ideological and cultural justification for establishing colonial (specifically, imperial) political and economic structures. The importance of understanding narrative mechanisms for countering propaganda risks is established. It is proven that the deconstruction of colonial narratives will contribute to the formation of a rational and balanced policy of historical memory and media activity.