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Occidental College

Publication Date

Fall 2007

Program Name

Chile: Culture, Development, and Social Justice

Abstract

The theoretical and methodological advances in memory studies have contributed to a recuperation of cultural history. Although it is important to recognize that the revival of historical memory contributes to the conscientious of the continuum of the past into the present, it is essential also to restore the forgotten voices and persons of particular historical situations. In Chile, the pains of recent history, including the 17 years of dictatorial violence and violations of human rights under Augusto Pinochet, 1973 – 1990, and the transition to democracy that is still going today, are essential to the understanding of current Chilean culture and the development of democratization. This paper aims to investigate the process of forgetting, the importance of recovering historical memory, and the current efforts to recuperate historical memory of the dictatorship under Pinochet. The essay examines seven organizations that have distinct methods, but are all currently working to recuperate the historical memory of the dictatorship as part of the struggle for truth and justice in Chile. There is a particular focus on the recuperation of memory via education because of its ability to contribute to consciousness and activeness of the future generations in this work. Conclusions demonstrate, that despite the numerous frustrations, these organizations have contributed to the ongoing development of dialogue surrounding human rights and historical memory in Chile.

Disciplines

History | Latin American History

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