Dominick LaCapra

Dominick LaCapra is a historian and theorist known for his work on collective memory, which explores how groups remember and interpret shared past experiences. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between different types of memory, such as "historical" memory, which is analytical and critical, and "traumatic" memory, which can be more emotional and visceral. LaCapra's ideas suggest that collective memory shapes cultural identity and influences how societies deal with the past, especially in contexts involving trauma or conflict. His work encourages a deeper understanding of how history is constructed and transmitted within communities.