An Analysis of Collective Memory in College Students

Memory is a big part of being human. It helps us make sense of the world, our relationships, and who we are. As college students, we get a special chance to think about collective memory – how groups of people remember and celebrate events and ideas. In this essay, I’m gonna look at different views on collective memory, how we take part in it, and what it means for us as college students.

What is Collective Memory?

So, what is collective memory? It’s a social thing, about how groups remember and celebrate events, people, and ideas. It’s like cultural memory, passed down through shared experiences, traditions, and stories. Collective memory shapes how we see the past, present, and future, and it shows what we value and believe as a society.

Different Theories on Collective Memory

There are different ideas about how this works. Social memory theory says collective memory is a team effort. It involves talking, negotiating, and agreeing among group members (Ross and Nisbett, 1991). This theory highlights how shared meanings and interpretations shape our collective memory.

On the flip side, cognitive psychology looks at memory more individually. It focuses on personal experiences and mental processes in shaping memory. This view suggests collective memory isn’t one unified thing but a bunch of individual memories influenced by social and cultural factors (Roediger and DeSoto, 2014).

Participation in Collective Memory

We join in various rituals and traditions that reflect our collective memory. Some are formal and set, like graduation ceremonies, homecoming events, and sports rivalries. Others are more casual and random, like dorm room parties and spur-of-the-moment social gatherings.

But these rituals aren’t random or disconnected from the bigger picture. They show our shared experiences, values, and identities as college students. So, they’re a form of collective memory connecting us to each other, our school, and society at large.

Examples of Collective Memory in College

Take graduation ceremonies, for example. They’re a big deal for many college students. They mark the end of a big chapter in our lives and symbolize our step into the adult world. These ceremonies also reflect the values and goals of our schools and society, like the importance of education and success.

Similarly, sports rivalries and events like homecoming build a sense of community and pride in our college or university. They bring together students, alumni, and the community in a shared celebration of our school spirit and identity.

Implications of Collective Memory

Now, let’s talk about the implications of collective memory. It’s got a big impact on our personal and group identities, our relationships, and our sense of history. As college students, we’re at a key stage in developing our identities and beliefs.

When we take part in college rituals and traditions, we engage with collective memory. This can shape our values, goals, and sense of belonging. Being part of a shared history and tradition can make us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. This feeling of belonging can give us purpose and meaning, which is great for our well-being and self-esteem.

But, collective memory can also have downsides if it keeps harmful or exclusionary stories and practices alive. For instance, some college traditions might have racist or sexist undertones that keep harmful stereotypes and inequalities going.

Conclusion

We’re both participants and creators of collective memory. Our engagement with college rituals and traditions shows our shared experiences, values, and identities as a community. It can give us a sense of belonging and purpose, but it can also continue harmful narratives and practices. By thinking critically about our role in collective memory, we can understand better how it shapes our identities and work towards more inclusive and fair communities.