victims . This includes determining the extent to which a museological institution should engage in historical reparations in consideration of long-term consequences .
Many provocations in the research underscore the importance of examining musealisation experiences related to historical traumas individually . While each experience is unique , collective reflection on these experiences contributes to a broader body of knowledge that can advance the cause of democracy .
The pedagogue Paulo Freire ( 1987 ) once argued that “ men are not made in silence but in words , in work , in action-reflection ”. His words inspire us to generate knowledge with an active and hopeful approach , one that transcends mere observation and instead motivates action . Freire reminds us that “ hope is born from the verb ‘ to hope ’”. The Museology of Traumatic Memories can serve as a powerful tool for societies to address enduring issues that span generations and risk being exploited to promote forgetfulness and impunity for heinous crimes . This movement has long called upon museology in the Ibero-American region , as evidenced by discussions at the Santiago Round Table ( 1972 ).
Strands of research such as New Museology , Critical Museology , Social Museology and Sociomuseology have significantly enriched the field ’ s understanding of its potential . However , there is still much work ahead to transition from contemplation and emotion to effective action as a society .
In Brazil , the first Sites of Memory and Conscience related to the dictatorship resulted from civil society groups , mainly former political prisoners and the relatives of victims who recognised the importance of honouring democracy ’ s struggles . Over time , these sites expanded to encompass a broader range of voices , social actors and interpretations , all contributing to a heightened cultural awareness that nurtures the democratic spirit of society .
4 . Lula announces his New Growth Acceleration Programme ( PAC ). Its expense proposal includes the creation of the Museum of Democracy . Photo : Agencia Brasil .
The Strength of the “ Young Girl ” of Brazilian Democracy and the Promise of a New Museum
Perhaps we must strive to view democracy as a living entity that requires daily care and attention , extending beyond legal frameworks and institutional norms . This perspective allows us to focus on the wounds and legacies left by systematic violence in democratic societies .
Democracy in Brazil is relatively young , like a young girl , with her most recent rupture occurring in 1964 and persisting until the adoption of the current Constitution in 1988 . However , on 8 January 2023 , terrorists from various regions of the country attempted to overthrow the young girl of democracy by invading the federal capital ’ s three branches of government . Their attempt was unsuccessful .
If we consider the historical records and narratives surrounding this 35-year-old democracy ’ s birth , we can surmise that her inception was fraught with pain , akin to a difficult childbirth that spanned 21 years . We can imagine a delivery room filled with tension , with many members of the healthcare team unable to fully assist in the birthing process . Historians recount that the delivery did not occur as society had envisioned , but rather through the only feasible means to ensure a healthy birth .
What the terrorists in Brazil on 8 January failed to realise is that the young girl of democracy has now grown into a woman . A woman is inherently
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Observing Memories Issue 7