Reflections on Dutch and Flemish Cultures

Have you ever had the feeling that you want to contribute to an important conversation but have been held back by the fear of saying the wrong thing? 

Us too. 

This is why we’ve named this episode of the Storying History series ‘How Do I Put…?’, where we talk about how we can engage in the tricky but necessary conversations surrounding how we represent colonial history. Sophie Moss and Beth Tasker, two students of Dutch Studies at the University of Sheffield, take the first step in opening the conversation by honing in on three examples of Dutch children’s literature and how they each offer very different representations of slavery and colonialism. These are Quaco (Ineke Mok, 2015) Als Slavin Geboren (“Born as a Slave” - Marian Hoefnagel, 2014) and Hoe Mooi Wit Ik Ben (How Beautifully White I Am - Rudolf Verroen, 2016). 

The focus of this podcast, and especially this episode, is not about knowing everything already, but being open to learning. Our discussion is based on what we can learn from each of these texts, and how we can start to bridge the gap between being willing to learn and actively discussing and acquiring knowledge. 

We hope you’ll join us. 

Bibliography:

Welcome to "Storying History," a thought-provoking podcast where we explore the complex nature of history. Join hosts Rob, Catherine, and Alisha as they challenge conventional narratives, question the criteria of historical facts, and delve into the power of storytelling and critical fabulation.

In this captivating series, we will uncover the multifaceted layers of history. Together, we'll examine the lens through which history is viewed, dissect the implications of historical representation, and explore the evolving nature of historical interpretation.

Through insightful discussions, we will navigate topics like the role of imagination in exposing social inequalities, the impact of archives on historical narratives, and the significance of amplifying marginalised voices. Drawing from a diverse range of sources, including Anton de Kom'sWe Slaves of Suriname, Raoul de Jong's Jaguarman and the recent production by theatre company Aluin en Raymi Sambo, Ik zeg toch sorry.

Join us on this intellectual exploration as we navigate the blurred boundaries between fact and fiction, challenge dominant historical accounts, and look towards a more inclusive and just understanding of our shared past.

Welcome to "Storying History," where we question, reimagine, and challenge the very essence of what it means to study history.

Sounds used in this podcast:

John, Charlie and Zoe, three University of Sheffield students, discuss the history of Dutch colonialism through three chosen artefacts, all visual pieces. The central question is: How can the pictures help us understand the artists, the purpose, and the subjects involved. 

This episode of Many Lenses examines another three artefacts with a specific relation to Dutch colonial history. Host Ahmed is joined by two special guests, Theo and Rachel, both experts in the world of Dutch colonialism. They each brought along their own artefact to present and they will look through a different lens to each other’s artefacts. 

In this episode of Many Lenses, with the help of specialist guests, we will discuss three colonial artefacts, their contexts and how they are interconnected. The three artefacts central to this episode are:

This week’s episode of Many Lenses is entitles ‘Dutch Colonial Slavery: Representations and Impact'. Host Lottie Armett is joined by two experts in Dutch colonial history, Tomas Williams and Maya Pillay. We will explore three artefacts from the recent Slavery Exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam:

The UK, the Netherlands and Belgium all played a significant role in colonial slavery. Yet, until recently, there was little acknowledgement of this in their museums. Now, with anti-racist movements like Black Lives Matter gaining traction, and debates about representing the past filling our screens, what role are museums playing?

Written and presented by Catherine Newell, and made possible by SURE 2021 (Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience).

Daniel Corcoran and guests Catherine Newell & Liam Stoddard discuss the Flemish children's book Rosie en Moussa, by Michael De Cock and Judith Vanistendael.

Created and presented by Catherine, Dan and Liam.

Part of the Dutch module 'Towards a New Pastoral? Urban Idylls in Contemporary Dutch & Flemish Children's Literature'

Trapped in the city? Daydreaming of paradise? Then lose yourself in the jungle with Mel B. (Mo, Elliot, Louis & Brooke!). In this episode, we take you through Daan Remmerts de Vries and Philip Hopman's Dutch children's story Stimmy of het oerwoud in de stad (Stimmy or The Jungle in The City) to examine its message and themes.

Created and presented by Mo, Elliot, Louis and Brooke.

Part of the Dutch module 'Towards a New Pastoral? Urban Idylls in Contemporary Dutch & Flemish Children's Literature'

Join Brad Hampshire, Alisha Mallya and Rebecca Nelsey for a detailed examination of Jack in het regenwoud by Marcus Pfister. The Intellectual Circle will be discussing how this popular children’s book is redefining the representation of the pastoral setting in children literature through the story of the little yellow taxi Jack’s voyage into the Brazilian rainforest. We will look at themes such as ecocriticism, urbanature and simple and complex pastorals, drawing on the works of Ashton Nicholls, Henry David Thoreau and Leo Marx, and make comparisons to other popular works of Dutch children’s literature, such as Meneer Tijger wordt wild.

Created and presented by Brad, Alisha & Rebecca.

Part of the Dutch Studies module 'Towards a New Pastoral? Urban Idylls in Contemporary Dutch & Flemish Children's Literature'

A podcast in which adults discuss children's books!

In this episode: Rosie en Moussa, by Michael De Cock and Judith Vanistendael.

Created and presented by June, John, Jordi and Maddie.

Part of the Dutch module 'Towards a New Pastoral? Urban Idylls in Contemporary Dutch & Flemish Children's Literature'

What does the Dutch children's book 'Stimmy of het oerwoud in de stad' have to say about the relationship between children and their urban spaces?

Created and presented by Johanna, Marta, Ana and Rob.

Part of the Dutch module 'Towards a New Pastoral? Urban Idylls in Contemporary Dutch & Flemish Children's Literature'

Environmentalism in Dutch-language Children's Literature. A case study of Jack in het Regenwoud.

In this episode, we discuss Jack's journey through the rainforest whilst looking at concepts like the flaneur, the romantic pastoral, literary ecocriticism,  the idea urbanature and escapism. Is the machine in the garden always a bad  thing? We even have a very special guest...

Created and presented by Lydia, Connor, Chantelle and Matthew.

Part of the Dutch module 'Towards a New Pastoral? Urban Idylls in Contemporary Dutch & Flemish Children's Literature'