Curation and Creation of Memory–Heritage Through Meme-making Culture: Memory Studies and a Different Kind of ‘Heritage’

Abstract

The article explores, through a selection of memes (posts) from selected social media platforms, the memory–heritage dyad and what kind of socio-cultural, political, temporal and experiential interactions and overlaps of heritage-building, memory expression and memory-making are reflected in the process of the creation and consumption of memes by users on various social media platforms. The relation between memes and cultural repertoires tapped into by and of users is explored, along with its institutional, community, economic, socio-cultural, historical and political implications. The article uses as theoretical frameworks literature centred around new media, language, class, culture and memory studies. Possible contingencies and nuances about digital access and variations within the collective experience and cultural memory are also addressed in the process. The article intends to provide points of departure for a wider study in socio-cultural-political, historical and institutional contexts and possible arenas for research in digital humanities, historiography, psychology and interdisciplinary avenues. It attempts to highlight the role of social media and its meme-making culture in curating, creating and proliferating narratives about pasts, presents and futures; that is, a memory study through the meme-making culture and the layering of multiple kinds of heritages.