Implicit collective memory and how it fuels implicit activism in Nigeria’s EndSARS movement: A digital ethnographic journey

Abstract

This article expands upon the prevailing focus on social movement and explicit memory primarily centred around commemorations, to focus on implicit memory as a driving force for social movements in the context of the EndSARS in Nigeria. This study’s specific research question is: How does implicit memory fuel implicit activism in the EndSARS movement? To answer this question, we employed a digital ethnographic approach. Our results indicate three themes which explain how implicit collective memory fuels implicit activism: (a) shared socioeconomic trauma, (b) subtle artistic expressions and (c) the historical context of police brutality. We conclude that understanding the interplay between implicit activism and implicit collective memory is vital for comprehending the dynamics of modern social movements and their potential for social change. As we continue to witness the fusion of digital platforms with activist practices, it is crucial to explore the evolution of this relationship in the context of social and political change, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.