Our Hidden Conversations - Chapter 5: "Memory Wars"

Join us as we continue our exploration of Michele Norris’s book, Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity. Each week, we dig into another chapter, uncovering hidden perspectives on race, identity, and the conversations we often avoid.

This Week’s Discussion: Chapter 5 - "Memory Wars"
In Chapter 5, Norris delves into the contested terrain of memory, examining how different groups remember and interpret events related to race and identity. She asks us to consider how these "memory wars" shape our present-day conversations and societal divides. We’ll discuss how collective memory influences our perceptions of history, justice, and belonging.

Date: Wednesday, October 9

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom - https://sl.richmond.edu/v5

Key Discussion Points:

• What does Norris mean by "memory wars," and how do they manifest in conversations about race?
• Norris discusses how certain memories are suppressed or altered over time. What versions of history have you encountered that conflicted with your own understanding, and how did it shape your views of identity and race?
• How do these "memory wars" influence public discourse and policy related to race and identity?
• What can we do to navigate contested memories in a way that promotes understanding and reconciliation?
• How can we honor different perspectives without erasing important historical truths?

Whether you’ve read the entire book or are just diving in, we welcome you to this week’s discussion. Together, we’ll explore the layers of memory, history, and identity that shape our world today.

For more information on Intersections or this discussion series, please email Dr. Keith W. McIntosh at cio@richmond.edu.