Divided Memories: Confronting the Crimes of Previous Regimes

In: Telos, Heft 118, S. 87-108

Abstract

Data for an analysis of the politics of memory were drawn from participant observation of the South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Memory is described as a social construction shaped by conditions at the time of the recalled events. Collective memory determines accepted perceptions of the past that change over time due to the influence of official definitions, rituals, or laws. Divided memories are said to exist when large groups within the same state simultaneously attach different meanings to the same history. Two kinds of remembering are progressive memory, which looks at the past in hopes of preventing future repetitions, & regressive remembering, which focuses on past conflicts for purposes of revenge. Six forms of dealing with the past are discussed: amnesia; trials/justice; lustration (removing collaborators from office); negotiated restitution; political reeducation; & truth commissions. Historical examples of each approach are described, & collective memories of human rights violations are categorized as either historical injustices or contemporary abuses. It is contended that injustices that occurred a long time ago are best dealt with via political education, while contemporary abuses call for both legal recourse & the creation of institutions to facilitate reconciliation. J. Lindroth