Popular Culture and National Identity in the Twenty-First Century
National identity and expressions of shared national
consciousness have occupied late twentieth century historians and
political scientists; however, the focus is usually limited to the political
arena or other narrowly related fields. State issued currency is one public
space that allows a wider, interdisciplinary approach to national and/or
cultural heritage. This short essay connects Benedict Anderson’s
paradigmatic text on the formation of community identity and its
translation to national currencies, with special attention to popular
cultural icons.
All national currency is heavily imbued with symbols of political
and cultural heritage. Anderson suggests that the prim