Europe's Colonial Past and the Brexit Nostalgia for Empire: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Europe's Colonial Past and the Brexit Nostalgia for Empire: Two Sides of the Same Coin

The phenomenon of user-generated content (UGC) has significantly impacted the communication landscape. The research on UGC, which is still relatively new compared to traditional mass media content, has produced interesting findings. In this article, we will explore a systematic review of empirical communication research on UGC published in international journals.

UGC refers to content that is contributed by users themselves. This can include commenting on existing services or user comments to online articles. It is important to note that only content that could provide a rationale will be included in the analysis. UGC must be published and accessible to the public or a group, and it must be created outside the realm of a profession and professional routines.

Various terms have been used to refer to UGC, including social media, Web 2.0, participatory web, and more. For the purpose of this review, we will use the term "user-generated content" and define it based on the above criteria.

Studies on UGC have focused on priority topics and research interests related to UGC. Standardized content analyses have been a common method applied in UGC research. These analyses examine the modes of communication used in UGC, such as text, audio, video, and animated material. The presence of links and digital references also enables hypertextuality within UGC.

One of the challenges in studying UGC is selecting content for analysis. Unlike traditional mass media content, UGC tends to be highly reactive and personalized. Some content may only be displayed at the individual level and is dependent on the activities of specific users. However, UGC offers the advantage of easier access to international content, allowing for international comparative studies.

Moving on to the topic of Europe's colonial past and the Brexit nostalgia for empire, it is essential to understand the context of Britain's colonial history. The idea of "making Britain great again" reflects a yearning for a time when Britain was defined by its racial and cultural superiority. This nostalgia for empire is intertwined with the Brexit vote and signifies a desire to reclaim white entitlement to territory, resources, and identification as British.

The Brexit vote is often associated with the disenfranchised white working class, but it was disproportionately carried by the propertied, pensioned, well-off, white middle class in southern England. The Leave campaign's rhetoric of "taking back control" represents an imagined victimhood and backlash against the gains made in civil rights and non-discrimination by minority groups.

Furthermore, the romanticization of Britain's imperial history plays a role in the Brexit nostalgia for empire. Former Prime Minister Theresa May referred to the Commonwealth as indicative of Britain's proud global relationships, emphasizing the need for Britain to rediscover its role as a great, global, trading nation. Boris Johnson also dressed up Britain's colonial history as a noble attempt to do good in the world.

It is worth noting that a significant portion of the British public takes pride in Britain's colonial history and considers the British Empire to have been a positive force. This sentiment contributes to the nostalgia for empire and influences the Brexit narrative.

In conclusion, the systematic review of UGC research provides valuable insights into the communication landscape shaped by user-generated content. It highlights the importance of understanding the modes of communication used in UGC and the challenges in selecting content for analysis. Additionally, the connection between Europe's colonial past and the Brexit nostalgia for empire sheds light on the underlying motivations behind the Brexit vote.

To navigate the complex dynamics of UGC and societal nostalgia, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Foster critical media literacy: Encourage individuals to critically analyze the content they consume and create. This includes understanding the biases and motivations behind user-generated content and critically examining narratives shaped by nostalgia for empire.

2. Promote diverse perspectives: Actively seek out and engage with diverse voices and perspectives within user-generated content. Encourage platforms and communities to prioritize inclusivity and provide a platform for marginalized voices.

3. Educate on colonial history: Increase awareness and education about Europe's colonial past and its ongoing impact. This can help counteract romanticized narratives and foster a more nuanced understanding of history.

By incorporating these actions, we can navigate the complexities of user-generated content and challenge the nostalgia for empire that influences societal narratives like Brexit.