Types of Photographic Inquiry and Their Effects on the Collective Memory of Genocide

Abstract

Beginning in the 20th century the progression of photography and the reoccurrence of genocide collided and perpetuated a new kind of widespread collective memory. While the idea that groups of people shared a collective memory was theorized prior to the dissemination of photography, photographic inquiry into genocide initiated a global collective memory. As photography expanded with new technology and creativity the ways in which genocide was photographed changed as well and images started to play an even larger roll in these historical atrocities. Now, diverse types of photographs have the power to impact the collective memory in various ways. Images of mass graves, landscapes, street photography, family photographs and portraits hold different influence over collective memory and force it to be accessed, used, and remembered in specific ways.