Poetics of Memory on Dictatorships

Abstract

This research explores how three memorial museums in “Latin America” exhibit trauma and violence from their respective dictatorial regimes. I analyze the impact of globalization with regard to common Holocaust tropes and themes by examining their content and display techniques via their official virtual platforms. The three memorial museums highlighted in this paper are the Memory and Human Rights Museum (MMDH) in Chile; the Ex Centro Clandestino de Detencion, Tortura y Exterminio (ESMA) in Argentina; and the Memorial Museum of Dominican Resistance in the Dominican Republic. I argue that these museums combine Latin American and Holocaust museological techniques and aesthetics in their exhibitions to accomplish two goals: (1) attract an international audience and (2) receive worldwide recognition in universal organizations such as the United Nations (UN) or UNESCO. The efforts implemented by these museums are apparent in their vernacular (the native language spoken in a particular region), display techniques, vision/purpose statements, and their interpretative text.