Literary, artistic, and cultural canons are created by societies to tell their stories. They include books, movies, music, paintings, sculptures, theatre plays, poetry, performances, monuments, exhibitions, buildings, streets, statues, landscapes, parks, and museums. These canons reflect the values and beliefs of those who created them and those who were influential enough to be included. By excluding certain people from these canons, they become invisible and forgotten. This affects collective memory because it reinforces stereotypes and perpetuates discrimination against groups that have been left out.
Efforts exist to reclaim space for marginalized groups.
Black artists and writers fought for representation in the literary canon during the Harlem Renaissance. Women writers like Virginia Woolf and Doris Lessing challenged gender norms by exploring feminist themes. Indigenous authors like Leslie Marmon Silko and Sherman Alexie highlighted Native American experiences. LGBTQ+ artists such as Oscar Wilde and Tennessee Williams pushed boundaries with their work. The MeToo movement has encouraged more diverse storytelling in film and television.
A fully inclusive cultural landscape would allow everyone's stories to be told. It would recognize the contributions of all groups to society and celebrate diversity. Canons should represent a range of perspectives and voices to create a nuanced understanding of history. Inclusivity requires ongoing effort, including education, advocacy, and funding for underrepresented creators.
Challenges remain. Marginalized communities may not have access to resources or platforms to share their stories. The status quo often privileges white, male, cis-heterosexual narratives. Powerful institutions resist change, fearing loss of control over canonization. Societal biases limit how we perceive certain identities and experiences.
Exclusion from canons shapes collective memory, but efforts exist to rectify this. A fully inclusive cultural landscape would celebrate diversity and recognize everyone's contributions. This requires ongoing work to create equitable opportunities for storytellers, challenge societal biases, and expand our understanding of what is considered valuable art.