Inter-Cultural Conflict and Rewriting History: The Case of the Yi

Abstract

This thesis examines why the Yi people of Liangshan – who call themselves Nuosu – in southwest China have been reviving their identity since the end of Mao‟s Cultural Revolution. Ultimately, I conclude that internal pressure, or Yi desire to be Yi for identity‟s sake only, is what best explains current trends in Yi cultural revival. I refute the claim that Yi cultural revival is best explained by reference to external incentives. I consider possible and general sources of external incentives and argue that they are not present, in compelling ways, to the Nuosu.