Abstract

GARCIA-ARBOLEDA, Juan Felipe. Concealing Memories and Representation of Violence within Institutional Truth: The Photographic Record of Semana on Paramilitary Violence in Colombia (1988-1989 / 1997-1999). univ.humanist. [online]. 2010, n.69, pp.185-207. ISSN 0120-4807.

The aim of this work is to implement analytical tools that help to describe the institutional truth on paramilitary violence in Colombia. As a case study, we have chosen the institutional truth contained in the photographic record the Semana magazine published on this phenomenon during years 1988-1989 and 1997-1999. Our analysis suggests this kind of records informs an institutional truth abstracting victims' suffering by using two concealing memories: 1) paramilitary violence is exerted against subversion, and 2) anonymous victims are a necessary cost to pay to win war. These concealing memories continuously repeated stimulates the social model that identifies with the primeval father and makes room for continuous scapegoating.

Keywords : victims; right to truth; concealing memories; paramilitaries; memory and violence.

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