During the very first weeks of attending the ASTU class, we discussed the differences and similarities between memoirs and historical writings. We also discussed the interrelation between the two and how memory can be used as an artefact, or as a contribution to historical facts. In my sociology class, we learnt the difference between public issues, private issues, and the connection between the two, commonly referred to as sociological imagination. The two topics in the two different classes, however, share a central discussion point; how do personal biographies (private issues) and memory relate and contribute to a recount of a historical event?

This question was answered a few days later when we had a joint lecture as the Global Citizens Stream and watched a documentary titled ‘A Degree of Justice’ which recounts an event in the Canadian History. On the 8th of December 1941, in what is referred to as the Japanese Canadian Internment, Japanese Canadians from the British Columbia Coast were forcefully removed from their homes and moved to internment camps, and this relocation not only shook the foundations of their families but also their education and personal lives.

As the victims of this Internment recount their experiences in this documentary, it is clear that the results of this occurrence are trauma, desolation, sadness and loss. Would a recount of the same event, in historical terms and facts be as impactful? Clearly not. It would give us a general idea of what happened, explain it in figures and facts, but it would not give us such an intimate window into the past.

Although these personal memories are given in the individual’s perspective (what we commonly refer to as bias) and are subject to the person’s memory abilities, it would be a great way to supplement historical data. Connecting the victim’s view of the event with the general idea gives a more concrete recount of the experience.

As I watched each of the victims narrate their own story, I felt greater empathy and more understanding than I did when I later did read the historical account on Wikipedia. However, not everyone has access to this documentary, and most just know what is written. It would be a great idea, therefore, for the written history to be connected with the personal narrations, (as a package) to give the audience a deeper understanding that can’t be reached by either, singly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Canadian_internment