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The Art of Forgetting: imperialist amnesia and public secrecy

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  • Robert Fletcher

Abstract

This article explores the implications of a phenomenon that, following Renato Rosaldo's influential discussion of ‘imperialist nostalgia’, I call ‘imperialist amnesia’: the fetishistic disavowal of the legacy of European colonisation within contemporary postcolonial societies. I describe the manifestation of this amnesia in discourses as diverse as academic scholarship, international development and travel writing. Observing the recurrence of imperialist amnesia in the face of persistent attempts to historicise postcoloniality, I propose that the disavowal of colonialism functions as what Michael Taussig calls a ‘public secret’—something commonly known but not generally acknowledged—helping to efface the grim realities of the colonial enterprise. Public secrecy by its nature defies most attempts at disclosure; hence efforts to publicise colonialism's contemporary influences may paradoxically reinforce their obfuscation by perpetuating the very imperialist amnesia they seek to dispel.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Fletcher, 2012. "The Art of Forgetting: imperialist amnesia and public secrecy," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(3), pages 423-439.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:ctwqxx:v:33:y:2012:i:3:p:423-439
    DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2012.657476
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    Cited by:

    1. Koot, Stasja & Fletcher, Robert, 2021. "Donors on tour: Philanthrotourism in Africa," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    2. Justina GineikienÄ—, 2013. "Consumer Nostalgia Literature Review And An Alternative Measurement Perspective," Organizations and Markets in Emerging Economies, Faculty of Economics, Vilnius University, vol. 4(2).
    3. Khan, Haider, 2023. "Ecological Imperialism: A 21st Century Circuits Approach," MPRA Paper 116844, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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