Hello readers,

I hope you all are having a wonderful day today. The students of Professor Luger’s ASTU 100 class at UBC (University of British Columbia) have recently been tasked with writing a short article, relating to the ideas and concepts that are talked about in class. During my readings, I observed multiple different theories about certain concepts from the students. The different articles display each students individuality, and what they find to be the most intriguing about the course so far. While there were many different topics, such as citation, genre and plamgiarism (Eun, Lisa, Deniz). Memory and or Collective Memory was a topic that was in the to me.

Many of the ASTU students intentionally discuss memory and or collective memory (Julia, Simon, Devon). Specifically, ASTU student Julia states, that in Latin America, Independence day is very important, and that “it is the collective memory of that event that shapes our identities and strengthens the solidarity we feel towards each other” (Past and Present). Likewise, ASTU student Simon describes how growing up in China “the events took place in Tiananmen Square was never really brought to my attention, all the knowledge I had of this event was that there was a protest of some sort” (The importance of remembering). Since there was almost no collective memory of the incident, the reality of it was almost forgotten. Despite the different situations, the essence of both articles convey the message that it is necessary to have collective memory.

However, some ASTU students relate their topic to that concept of collective memory without directly saying it. ASTU student Victoria, describes a time she has taken a selfie in Cambodia, and says, “I meant no harm and no insult, all I wanted to do was remember how I felt when I was there and what was surrounding me” (A DIFFERENT LENS TO A SELFIE). Also Wamaitha exclaims in her talk of media that “things that are regarded as important in the western world are relayed to the media in Kenya as being important to us” (HOW DOES THE MEDIA AFFECT HOW THE GREATER INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY REMEMBERS?). These topics of social media, and how it is used relates directly with memory.

Are young people losing their sense of culture? Do people need to find a better way to pass down collective memory? These articles relating to memory describe problems that is a precursor to a larger societal issue.

-Evan Ruiz