Exploring the Dynamic Nature of Memory and Identity
School
Santa Fe Community College**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
NURS MISC
Subject
Psychology
Date
Dec 10, 2024
Pages
3
Uploaded by CaptainFreedomBear28
Melanie Cancino Reflection #2 After writing Response Paper II: The "Gospel" of Memory, I gave a lot of thought to the complicated connection between memory, identity, and how we share our individual and group experiences. "The Gospel of Memory" refers to both a respect for memory as a driving force and the idea that memory, like a gospel, shapes how we think and act something we "preach" to ourselves and others all the time, even when we're not aware of it. I learned that memory doesn't just store information about the past; it also affects how we feel about the present and think about the future.As I worked on the paper, one of the most important things I realized was that memory is not a fixed process of retrieval, but a dynamic act of rebuilding. Memories are not set in stone; they change over time as people gain new situations, experience changes in society, and think about their own memories. When I thought about the role of emotional memory, this idea became even more clear. Emotions not only change how we remember things, but they can also change or emphasize certain details depending on how we're feeling at the time. For example, I've noticed that when I think about things that happened in the past, especially ones that made me feel strong emotions, I often see them differently based on how I feel right now. A moment of happiness could turn into a sour memory, or something painful could lose some of its sharpness as time goes on. In this way, the "Gospel" of memory is not an exact account, but a personal story that changes over time.The "Gospel" of Memory is also interesting because it is about working together. Memories are unique to each person, but they are also shared and changed by other people. The paper made me think about how memories can become shared by telling family stories, culture traditions, or historical stories. These shared memories often become important parts of who we
are and how we feel we fit. For instance, when my family gets together, we tell stories that have been told for generations. These stories are about our ancestors, our background, and the important events that have shaped our family history. Even though these memories are very personal to each of us, they also help us remember who we are as a group. Memory turns into a "gospel" for everyone, a set of beliefs and truths that bring us together and give us a feeling of purpose or continuity.But the fact that memory is shared also makes it hard in some ways. We are vulnerable to distortions, biases, and omissions that change how we understand our past when we depend on other people to help shape our memories. Thoughts on the political effects of remembering were stirred by this idea. How do groups or societies choose which events to remember and forget others? This selective remembering process is strong because it can change how people act as a group, how society views things, and even how we think about wrongs done in the past. In this way, the "Gospel" of memory is not a neutral or objective record of truth, but something that can be changed to suit different needs. I couldn't help but think about how different people have different ideas about how history happened, whether they are talking about national memory or their own memories. This disagreement affects both public debate and people's sense of who they are.While I was writing this answer paper, I also thought about how my memories affect my growth as a person. There are parts of my life that I remember very clearly and parts that I don't remember at all. But even the memories that aren't as clear have an effect on who I am now. For instance, an event that seemed upsetting or important at the time might not have the same emotional weight now, but the lessons I learned from it still affect what I do and how I act. I
learned that memory is a live part of me. It makes me who I am and who I was. It's both something I use to think about myself and a way for me to understand the world. Writing about the "Gospel" of memory has also helped me become more aware of how I interact with my own memories. Are the stories I'm telling myself that help me grow and heal, or are they stories that hold me back? Memory then becomes a personal tool for change as well as a duty, since the stories we tell ourselves can either free us or hold us back. It's like the "Gospel" of memory is something we receive, but we can also change how we understand and shape it.To sum up, Response Paper II's look into the "Gospel" of Memory has given me a lot to think about. Memory isn't just a silent record of what happened in the past; it's also a living, changing force that shapes who we are, our relationships, and our sense of purpose. As I keep thinking about my own memories and the memories of those around me, I understand that being aware of the stories we choose to remember and how we make sense of our past has power. This means that memory is more than just a record of the past; it's a live part of who we are and who we are becoming.