Abstract

BLAIR, Elsa. Memory and power: (de-)statizing memories and (de-)centering State power. univ.humanist. [online]. 2011, n.72, pp.63-87. ISSN 0120-4807.

This paper intends to show, in first instance, the existence of some " artifacts" as devices of memory, born out from various exercises conducted among communities having undergone violence. These devices are the " living" embodiment of underground memories that were gathered within various inquiry and extension projects by the research group. In the second part, a more theoretical reflection is put forward on the Memory/Power relationship as the frame of discussion within which these experiences are situated, emphasizing two aspects: making visible those " spaces of power" where both memories are situated within today's Colombian society so as to show specifically how those spaces of power appear, as well as the instruments they make use of, qualifying memories either as dominant or underground; and to show those spaces, just like any other social process, are not immutable or unchangeable phenomena, but are prone to be transformed, redefined and even reconfigured up to leading all the way to make changes to differently distribute the resources of power leaving their mark on them. In a third final part, a reflection " as a working hypothesis" is made, which could be the way to change the issue at hand and suggest new paths aiming to shift the place in society for those underground (marginal, hidden and scarcely visibilized) memories and make them emerge to surface so that they can develop all of their political potential and get their due place in Colombia's historical memory.

Keywords : memory; power; dominant memories and underground memories; spaces of power.

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