Memory walk: an interaction-oriented project to interrogate contested histories

Abstract

This article focuses on a novel concept that involves having young people make films about contested historical monuments and discussing them in classroom settings with their peers. This concept, called ‘Memory Walk’, builds on insights within intercultural education and theories on commemorative practices that point to the importance of addressing controversial issues and histories rather than ignoring them. We start by discussing the challenges of introducing controversial issues into classroom teaching. Then, we turn to how the creation of monuments and memorials is a reflection of power relations in society, focusing on the complex and difficult way the past is being dealt with in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, we describe how such insights can be translated into the concrete Memory Walk method.

Keywords:

• teaching controversial issues
• commemoration
• critical pedagogy
• contested histories

Notes

1. Part of this article is based on material collected by author Laura Boerhout during fieldwork conducted in 2011 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that resulted in the author’s MA thesis: ‘Sarajevo’s legacy of war. War memorials in the city and contested identities among the young,’ submission May 2012.

2. Hereinafter referred to as Bosnia.

3. Interview conducted by author Laura Boerhout with Lejla Hadzimesic. Human rights activist. August 17, 2011.

4. Interview conducted by author Laura Boerhout with Saliha Duderija. Assistant Ministor for Human Rights, July 27, 2011.

5. Some reform measures have been taken in the last years with help of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that is stationed in Bosnia.

6. Written correspondence of author Laura Boerhout with Dragica Karadzin. Political officer OSCE Tuzla. July 2011.

7. The initial concept was called ‘Monument Walk’ but since the focus was less on the actual monuments as objects and more on how humans interact with them, the title was changed to ‘Memory Walk’.

8. Digital film cameras have come down significantly in price, allowing for professional quality films to be made with few resources.

9. One example is the Roma and Sinti monument in Berlin (see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt8wVtOeJ78).

10. In some countries lack of funding will lead to limited guided implementation in schools.