Collective memory is a shared knowledge that helps people identify with their group identity. Oppression refers to unjust treatment of a certain group of people based on various characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, and so on. Political activism involves acting towards changing social norms for the betterment of a marginalized group. Emotional resilience allows an individual to recover from negative experiences. Research shows that collective memory can influence both political activism and emotional resilience, but how? In this article, I will provide some examples and explain how collective memory plays a role in these phenomena.
One example is the MeToo movement that arose after Harvey Weinstein was exposed for his alleged sexual assaults. The collective memory of victims who suffered harassment in Hollywood led to a widespread outcry against sexism and misogyny. This collective memory influenced many women to speak up about their own experiences and inspired others to stand up for themselves. Moreover, it encouraged men to reconsider their behavior and join the fight against oppressing women. Another example is the Black Lives Matter movement which emerged after several cases of police brutality targeting African Americans were reported. Collective memories of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and other forms of racism motivated people to take action against racial inequality. People also used collective memories of past protests to inform their actions today.
Role in Activism
Collective memories shape political activism by giving individuals a sense of purpose and identity. They remind people why they are fighting and what they want to achieve. These memories can be passed down through generations and inspire new members to join the struggle.
The Civil Rights Movement had strong roots in previous resistance movements such as the Abolitionist Movement, the Reconstruction era, and the Suffrage Movement. By remembering these events, activists gained strength and determination to continue fighting for equality.
Role in Resilience
Collective memories also play a role in emotional resilience because they give people hope that things can change. When people see how oppression was overcome before, they gain confidence that it can happen again. In addition, remembering past struggles gives them the courage to endure present difficulties and persevere until victory.
African American leaders like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr. drew on the memory of their ancestors who fought against slavery to keep going despite setbacks. This helped them build emotional resilience and inspired others to do the same.
How does collective memory of oppression influence political activism and emotional resilience?
Collective memory of past experiences of oppression has been shown to have an impact on both political activism and emotional resilience. When people are exposed to repeated instances of discrimination or other forms of social marginalization, they may develop a sense of shared identity and solidarity with others who have experienced similar hardships. This can lead to increased engagement in political activities aimed at addressing these issues, such as protests, petitions, and advocacy campaigns.