Role of Historical Memory in Shaping Contemporary Political Discourse
Keywords:
Contemporary Political Discourse, Historical Memory, Polarization, Theory of Collective Memory, Media Influence, Transnational Memory, Digital Age, Political Narratives, Digital Activism, Symbolic Representations, Power DynamicsAbstract
Contemporary political discourse, characterized by the ongoing exchange of ideas within politics, has witnessed increasing polarization globally. The study investigates the role of historical memory in shaping this discourse, focusing on examples from the USA, Canada, Europe, and African countries. Political ideologies have shifted, and issues such as immigration, healthcare, and climate change contribute to heightened partisanship. Media, identity politics, populist movements, and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic further influence political conversations. The study aims to investigate the intricate relationship between historical memory and contemporary political discourse, exploring how collective memory influences political narratives globally. Political discourse experiences polarization, with a significant partisan divide on the importance of history in the USA. The study addresses gaps by comprehensively exploring the mechanisms through which historical memory shapes political narratives and examining cross-national variations. Underpinned by Maurice Halbwachs' Theory of Collective Memory, the study views historical memory as a socially constructed phenomenon, influencing political discourse through shared interpretations within a community. Studies reveal the impact of historical memory on political polarization, the role of media, and the contestation of memory in post-colonial nations. Gendered dimensions, transnational influences, and technological advancements in the digital age further contribute to the complexity of historical memory in political discourse. The study reviews diverse academic sources, yielding findings that highlight the profound impact of historical memory on political discourse. Selective remembering, symbolic representations, and power dynamics are identified as key elements influencing contemporary political narratives. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of historical memory's dynamic influence on political discourse. It contributes theoretically by applying the Theory of Collective Memory and practically by offering insights for policymakers, educators, and political leaders. The interdisciplinary approach sets a precedent for future research, encouraging scholars to explore new dimensions of historical memory and its impact on political dynamics.
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