When it comes to discussing the relationship between memory and forgetting, there are many different perspectives that can be explored. One such perspective is whether forgetting itself can be seen as a radical act when memory is institutionalized or co-opted. This means that instead of viewing forgetting as something passive or negative, it can be understood as an active and purposeful process that allows for individuals to resist dominant narratives and create new ones. In this essay, I will explore how this concept applies to various areas including history, politics, personal identity, and popular culture.
In terms of history, the idea of remembering and forgetting has been used throughout time to create narratives that serve specific agendas.
During World War II, Nazi Germany sought to erase the Holocaust from collective memory in order to rewrite history according to their ideology. Similarly, colonial powers have often suppressed indigenous histories in order to justify their own conquests and exploitation. By choosing to forget these atrocities, people are able to maintain power structures that oppress others.
Those who seek to challenge these narratives through acts of remembering and forgetting can disrupt systems of power. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, which documented apartheid crimes and allowed perpetrators to testify, is one such example of using memory and forgetting to build a more just society.
Politically, institutions like schools and governments often shape our memories by promoting certain ideas while suppressing others.
Textbooks may teach a narrow version of American history that does not acknowledge the experiences of marginalized groups. Similarly, governments may use propaganda to control public opinion and manipulate citizens' perceptions of reality. By refusing to accept these dominant narratives, individuals can engage in radical acts of resistance that challenge authority. This was seen during the civil rights movement when activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X used rhetoric and protests to challenge systemic racism and white supremacy.
Personally, forgetting can be an act of liberation for those who have experienced trauma or abuse. In the case of sexual assault survivors, it may be necessary to forget details of the attack in order to heal and move forward. Likewise, immigrants may find it difficult to hold onto their cultural identity if they must assimilate into a new country. Through remembering their own stories and cultures, they can reclaim their identities and resist dominant narratives.
Popular culture has also engaged with the idea of memory and forgetting in various ways. Films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and TV shows like The Good Place explore the complex nature of memory loss and its impact on relationships. These stories suggest that forgetting is not always negative, as it allows us to forgive and let go of painful events from our past.
We see how forgetting itself can be a radical act when memory is institutionalized or co-opted by exploring various examples across time and place.
Can forgetting itself be a radical act when memory is institutionalized or co-opted?
Yes, forgetting can be considered a revolutionary action against institutional or social expectations that demand long-term recollection of certain events or details. Forgetting may also mean rejecting one's past as well as present roles within such institutions or social groups. Memory loss may serve as an individual's protest against dominant norms of remembrance and identity construction.