Communication Approaches to Contemporary Memory Infrastructure: Introducing Amending Our Pasts and Futures Special Issues

Abstract

This essay introduces “Amending our Pasts and Future: Communication Approaches to Contemporary Memory Infrastructure” Special Issue. The essay begins with addressing the need to approach memory by identifying the infrastructure that produces it, especially investigating how the new media landscape enables and intertwines contemporary material and symbolic memory infrastructures. Following this rationale, the essay introduces the new readings by highlighting their approach and contribution. The articles included examine discourses on statues, media, popular culture, Black press, and digital productions, protests about Black history, race, indigenous people, women, and ethnic trauma in the country and around the world. The essay concludes with a reflection on memory scholarship and a call for methodological evaluation, awareness, and update to adapt to NLP and AI.