We do not refuse to remember; neither do we find it exactly useless to remember. Rather, we are being rendered unfit to remember. For if remembering is to be something more than nostalgia, it requires a contextual basis-a theory, a vision, a metaphor
In his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death," Neil Postman discusses the complexities of memory in contemporary society. He asserts that while people are not outright rejecting the act of remembering, they face challenges that make it increasingly difficult to engage with the past meaningfully. This struggle stems from an inability to find relevance and context in memories, leading to a superficial engagement with historical events.
Postman emphasizes that for memory to transcend mere nostalgia, it needs a solid foundation, such as a guiding theory or metaphor. Without these contextual anchors, our recollections risk becoming trivialized, and the capacity to learn from the past diminishes. Thus, the act of remembering must be redefined and recontextualized to retain its significance in shaping our understanding of the world.
