Mind's War: Memories vs. Epoch
What counts as a memory, and who shapes it — on the media's epochs crowding out the small personal ones, and why the slightest memory is worth keeping.
Let’s talk about memory - yours, mine, and what the media tells us it should be.
In our rapidly evolving society: “What constitutes a memory, and who shapes it?”
As far as I am concerned, this inquiry ponders the pervasive influence of Western culture and the omnipresent media, from TikTok creators to media outlets, on my memory formation.
Renowned artists like Andy Warhol from New York have been immortalized in our cultural memory, but why do we bestow such a privilege? This recalls the ubiquity of Western influence in our consciousness, extending from our daily lives to the larger cultural landscape. Regardless of its size, the media persistently vies for our attention, seeking to shape our perception and, in turn, our memories.
When did presidential news, Sesame Street jingle, Black Friday Sales, Met Gala costumes, Hollywood or Christmas, start representing collective memory, a ‘defaultness,’ and take space in our dialogues, and compete with our recollections, our conversations? These shared experiences have become epochs, diminishing the significance of our small, personal memories. Yet, aren’t these overlooked, everyday moments shaping our true selves?
The challenge lies in recognizing the beauty in our every day and accepting that each memory, regardless of its scale, holds its unique value. And it is valid to keep the slightest memory and maybe not be on top of every trend. We must reassess how we value and share our memories, shifting our gaze from the spotlight of public consciousness to the intimate corners of personal experiences. Attention is 💎 and we have a limited capacity.