How does exclusion from literary and cultural canons shape societal memory, what reclamation efforts exist, and what might a fully inclusive cultural landscape look like in coming decades?
In contemporary society, literature and culture have become integral to shaping public discourse and influencing social attitudes.
Many works and figures are left out of these canons due to their controversial themes, authors' identities, or lack of mainstream appeal. This paper will explore how this exclusion impacts societal memory and discuss possible strategies for redressing it. It will also examine the potential benefits of an inclusive future cultural landscape.
Exclusion from canonical status can obscure important historical events and movements, particularly those related to marginalized groups.
While many people know about the Holocaust, few have heard of the Armenian Genocide despite its similar scale and devastating impact. Similarly, the work of women writers is often undervalued compared to men's, which can lead to skewed perceptions of history and underestimation of female contributions. Exclusion also diminishes opportunities for diverse perspectives to inform public understanding.
To counteract this effect, individuals and organizations have worked tirelessly to reclaim neglected voices and topics. The MeToo movement has brought attention to sexual assault survivors' stories and challenged misogynistic narratives. Black Lives Matter has highlighted systemic racism and police brutality through protests and media campaigns. Other initiatives have focused on expanding access to minority-authored books and promoting diversity in popular culture.
These efforts have sparked debate over what constitutes canonization and who should decide it. Some argue that only high-quality works deserve inclusion, while others prioritize representation over quality. Still, others favor a mix of both criteria. Regardless, there is broad consensus that a fully inclusive cultural landscape would benefit everyone by exposing more people to new ideas and experiences. This could encourage empathy, tolerance, and creativity while acknowledging everyone's contributions to society's development.
Exclusion from literary and cultural canons can damage societal memory by obscuring important events and perspectives.
Reclamation efforts are increasing awareness and demand for change. A fully inclusive future cultural landscape could promote greater understanding, respect, and innovation across all communities.
How does exclusion from literary and cultural canons shape societal memory, what reclamation efforts exist, and what might a fully inclusive cultural landscape look like in coming decades?
Exclusion from literary and cultural canons shapes societal memory because it makes certain groups of people invisible, leading them to be forgotten and their contributions marginalized. Reclamation efforts have been made by creating new narratives that highlight the achievements and importance of these underrepresented groups. A fully inclusive cultural landscape would recognize everyone's history and contributions equally, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other identity marker.