https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8334 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:12:03 GMT 2026-04-18T02:12:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145118 Title: The sustainability of the self in a contemporary society of optional honesty, curated identity, and cancel culture Authors: Munro, Dane Abstract: This article explores the sustainability of the self in a contemporary Gen. Z culture, increasingly shaped by curated identity, optional honesty, and performative morality. In the digital age, public approval is often measured in likes and outrage, and individuals are encouraged to prioritise appearance over authenticity. Drawing on the classical ideal of esse quam videri, to be rather than to seem, this study follows a philosophical and conceptual approach, rooted in critical reflection and subjective reasoning. While it does not rely on empirical data, it aims to offer a logically coherent perspective on the issue, grounded in the author’s interpretation and experience regarding the phenomenon of ethical consequences in a society where seeming has overtaken being. Focusing on the rise of cancel culture and its erosion of dialogue, the article critiques the moral simplification and narrative control that often accompany symbolic acts of erasure. Rather than defending the past uncritically, it advocates for contextualisation and interpretive engagement over historical sanitisation. Using the contested toppling of Edward Colston’s statue and the subsequent short-lived installation of Jen Reid’s sculpture as a case study, the article illustrates how moral outrage can obscure complexity, and how opportunities for plural memory are frequently lost in favour of ideological clarity. The discussion incorporates social contagion theory, the vilification of the critic, and Oscar Wilde’s anticipatory critique of performative virtue. In response to these trends, the article proposes a return to ethical sustainability through the lens of conviviality, a pluralist framework that values dialogue, ambiguity, and the coexistence of competing truths. It argues that both the self and society must resist the seduction of outrage and the tyranny of visibility to preserve the conditions for meaningful civic and moral engagement. Ultimately, this article contends that true ethical resilience lies not in curated virtue but in courageous sincerity, where art must provoke, history may discomfort, and disagreement ought to coexist with dignity. In such a climate, the importance of being earnest is no longer ironic, it is revolutionary, again. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145118 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142557 Title: The dependency‐autonomy paradox : a core‐periphery analysis of tourism development in Mediterranean archipelagos Authors: Agius, Karl; Chaperon, Samantha Abstract: Debates on island tourism have challenged the inevitability of underdevelopment in peripheral islands. A paradox of geopolitical dependency but optimal autonomy has been proposed where tourism can create a ‘virtuous periphery syndrome’. This study used a dependency theory lens and a core-periphery framework to analyse stakeholders' perspectives on this, in two Mediterranean archipelagos. The most peripheral islands experienced the highest levels of environmental protection and lowest levels of development, which can be favourable for the development of tourism, but this was perceived as being constrained by dependent relationships. Problematic coreperiphery relations dominated tourism development in both archipelagos. Tourism can provide opportunities for island empowerment but local understanding of this must be developed for optimal autonomy through tourism to be achieved. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142557 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138173 Title: Introduction [Law, humanities and tourism : interdisciplinay approaches to the restitution of cultural heritage] Authors: Jere Jakulin, Tadeja; Munro, Dane; Ekşi, Nuray Abstract: This edited volume, Law, Humanities, and Tourism: Interdisciplinary Approaches and Discussions to a Restitution of Cultural Heritage, Artworks, and Artifacts, embarks on a comprehensive exploration of these issues. Returning stolen art to its original owners or countries is motivated by ethical, legal, political, cultural, and economic factors. For instance, Slovenia's dogged pursuit of missing artworks is instructive, as many works of art were brought to safety during WWII but never returned. At the core is the ethical imperative to rectify past wrongs, particularly when art was taken during war, colonialism, or genocide. Many view the return of such works as a necessary act of justice and respect for the cultural heritage and identity of the original owners or countries. This ethical perspective is reinforced by international laws and conventions, as argued by the legal experts in this book, which prohibit illicit trade in cultural property and promote restitution. Legal obligations and proven ownership claims can compel individuals or nations to return stolen works to avoid litigation or penalties. However, from a political perspective, returning stolen art can serve as a gesture of goodwill that strengthens diplomatic ties, promotes international cooperation, and mitigates criticism. Countries or institutions often act to demonstrate their commitment to justice and to improve their global standing, especially when faced with public pressure. Cultural motivations also play a role, as restitution can foster dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between cultures. It is sometimes part of broader agreements that involve cultural exchange or collaboration between institutions in the form of indefinite loans. Some solutions given here are based on a perspective of tourism, marketing and branding. Economic and reputational incentives further influence these decisions. Countries that return art may benefit from increased cultural tourism and international recognition, while museums and private collectors seek to uphold or enhance their reputations as legitimate and ethical entities. By returning stolen art, they distance themselves from the stigma of possessing looted artefacts and align themselves with global heritage preservation. Essentially, the decision to return stolen art is often shaped by ethical, legal, diplomatic, cultural, and economic motivations. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138173 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138172 Title: Sword and poniard : a tourism-based proposal for a long-term loan of ceremonial weaponry to solve an old property issue between Malta, France, and the Order of Malta Authors: Munro, Dane Abstract: Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Malta in 1798 and the subsequent colonialisation of Malta by the French Republic resulted in looting and destruction of significant cultural artifacts. This including the ceremonial sword and dagger of Jean Parisot de Valette, Grand Master of the Order of Malta. Both artefacts are now in the Louvre. Repatriation of culturally significant art has recently been a subject of extensive global discussion, with its roots in the post-colonial ethical landscape and the shaping of national identities. There are mainly two key aspects: the legal structures within the contemporary international law and alternative, diplomatic approaches to solve disputes. This chapter explores both the legal and moral arguments that the Republic of Malta can present to have the ceremonial sword and dagger returned to Malta. In this chapter, it will be argued that in the case of Malta, the most appropriate model will be a long-term loan agreement between Malta and the Louvre. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138172 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z