Affecting the Body: Cultures of Militarism at the Australian War Memorial

J. Dittmer, E. Waterton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter begins by looking at the role of Utøya in the commemoration processes. It examines how practices of commemoration and witnessing played a role in changing the affective ecology of Utøya from a place of love, joy, and political enthusiasm to a haunted place. Grassroots memorials serve as momentary manifestations that appear in the aftermath of a violent event causing sudden death to citizens. Based on Paul Ricœur"s theory of the witness, and adding theoretical perspectives from new media scholarship on memory, witnessing can be said to possess three fundamental features. Britta Timm Knudsen's encounter with the island was therefore formed through the testimony of this survivor and his witnessing body, as well as through the grassroots memorials. Millions of people forming silent crowds of mourning populate the streets of Paris, all over France, in solidarity marches in Europe, and in the rest of the Western world.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHeritage, Affect and Emotion: Politics, Practices and Infrastructures
EditorsDivya P. Tolia-Kelly, Emma Waterton, Steve Watson
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter3
Pages47-74
Number of pages28
ISBN (Electronic)9781315586656
ISBN (Print)9781138547346, 9781472454874
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2016

Publication series

NameCritical Studies in Heritage, Emotion and Affect
PublisherRoutledge

Bibliographical note

Cited By :9 Export Date: 3 August 2022

Cite this