Political myth as the bearer of historical memory

Abstract

Purpose. The research is aimed at studying the political myth as a form of fixation, storage and transformation of historical memory. Methodology and methods. Political myth is presented as a transformed form of myth. The myth of the interpretation of the authors proceed from the position of A.F. Losev, but by analyzing the political myth, and take into account the position of R.Barthes. On the basis of systemic-structural approach it was described as the total integrity of the three main elements: the myth-the idea of the myth image, myth-events. M. Halbvaksa position was taken as an initial concept of understanding the historical memory. Postmodern approach was used to define the myth-simulacrum. The transformation of historical memory, fixed by the political myth, was investigated using the historical-cultural and comparative methodological approaches. Results. After identifying the relationship of the political myth and historical memory, it shows the role of a political myth in its preservation and transformation within the framework of a new ideology. Author described the role of political myth in saving the historical memory and transformation within the framework of a new ideology by identification of interrelation between political myth and historical memory. Scientific novelty. The specificity and structure of the political myth as the total unity of myth-the idea of the myth-image, myth-events were defined. The author described the mechanisms of saving and transformation of historical memory and transformation, fixed by the political myth of the transition from one ideological space to another. The various options of upgrading and preservation of historical memory through the mechanisms of change and the preservation of the elements of a political myth were noted. Any political myth is represented to authors and as a means of ideological manipulation of consciousness, and as an expression of «true life». By fixing this or that historical event, political myth, even when it is illusory, can create a historical tradition if it becomes a myth-event to perceiving it individuals or social groups. However, the authors identify a kind of political myth-like simulacra myths, these myths are parasitic on the myth-an event in and of themselves, the event is usually not made.