Memories and Representations of Terror: Working Through Genocide

Working Through Genocide: Memories and Representations of Terror explores how memories and representations shape our understanding of historical events, particularly the ways in which societies create narratives about genocide and its aftermath. It proposes that terror continues to hijack the actions and identities of surviving societies via the construction of memories and social representations of the lived experience in a final stage of genocide. The book covers a range of topics, from neuroscientific discoveries to psychoanalytic theories, and explores historiographical debates and sociological contributions to the analysis of social frames of memory, cultural memory,generational transmission, and related issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Memories and Representations of Terror: Working Through Genocide delves into the intricate interplay between memories and representations, shedding light on how they shape our understanding of historical events, particularly in the context of genocide. Using Argentina's last military dictatorship (1976-1983) and its contentious legacy as a case study, the book explores how societies construct narratives about genocide and its aftermath, shaping critical judgments about the past.

By examining the terrain of memories and representations of genocide, author Feierstein uncovers the contested spaces where the strategic objectives of genocide and the potential for challenging them are fiercely debated. These memories and representations serve as the foundation for constructing critical judgments about the past and hold the potential for assuming responsibility and working through the consequences of genocide.

In this groundbreaking work, Feierstein proposes that terror continues to hijack the actions and identities of surviving societies in a final stage of genocide, referred to as symbolic enactment. Through a comprehensive exploration of various disciplines, including neuroscientific discoveries, psychoanalytic theories, and historiographical debates, the book offers a rich tapestry of insights into memory processes and social representations. It covers a wide range of topics, from the nature of memory based on recent neuroscientific findings to psychoanalytic theories that delve into the workings of the mind, including psychic defense mechanisms, the unconscious mind, collective pacts of denial, and various forms of desensitization.

The first volume of a three-volume work, Memories and Representations of Terror: Working Through Genocide sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of the complexities surrounding genocide and its enduring impact on societies. By identifying and evaluating the contributions of various disciplines, the book aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that drive genocide and the pathways to healing and reconciliation. This important work will be of immense value to scholars, researchers, policymakers, and survivors alike, as it contributes to the ongoing effort to prevent future genocides and promote a more peaceful and just world.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032373263