Am Quote by Natasha Trethewey
“My obsessions stay the same - historical memory and historical erasure. I am particularly interested in the Americas and how a history that is rooted in colonialism, the language and iconography of empire, disenfranchisement, the enslavement of peoples, and the way that people were sectioned off because of blood.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Poet on Memory”, 2022
The quote highlights how personal obsessions with memory and erasure shape understanding of colonial histories and their lingering impacts.
In simple terms: Obsessions with memory and erasure reveal colonial legacies.
Key Takeaway
Examine how history is remembered or omitted.
Themes
memory
history
colonialism
identity
power
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- educational curricula
- public policy
- community storytelling
Key Concepts
postcolonial theory
collective memory
archival studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How does selective memory affect justice?
- What narratives are missing from mainstream history?
A Different Perspective
Memory can be selective, overlooking present‑day complexities.
