Identifying with the nation

Abstract

This article investigates viewer memories of former Flemish television fiction in order to research how its representation of Flanders has influenced national identification. Viewer memories show strong patterns, as the same serials are positively remembered by most respondents. The strength and fondness of these memories suggests that these serials became part of collective memory. The importance of `Flemishness' also becomes apparent through the emphasis on realism and recognition. All the respondents said that they preferred domestic drama to imported serials, portraying `typical' situations of the past using Flemish dialects. They strongly identified with this image, and by sharing fond memories, they form a national 'mnemonic' community.