Participatory Memory Practices: Connectivities, Empowerment, and Recognition of Cultural Heritages in Mediatized Memory Ecologies
Diverging forces across European societies – most visible in both the contemporary nationalist movements and Islamist radicalization – place particular relevance on social and cultural inclusion. Culture may cultivate both integrative and disruptive forces; in this light heritage experts, policy makers, social entrepreneurs, and other facilitators are seeking to establish inclusive memory politics for envisioning possible futures of how we should remember our past in Europe. The recognition of “difficult” and dissonant traditions and the contestation of public memory in respect to the representation of colonial traditions and immigration, multiculturalism and transnational history, non-Christian religious heritages in European societies, female heritages, or the inclusion of deprived groups are important issues in this debate. Being part of the public memory is crucial for envisioning positive futures, acknowledging people’s and groups’ history, identity, belonging, and membership. Furthermore, questions of eligibility play an important role in relation to public support or redemption, for partaking in economic outcomes, or in relation to… read more