The Tidal Wave of Memory

Every country, every social, ethnic or family group has in recent decades undergone a profound change in its relations with the past. This change takes many forms: criticism of official histories and recovery of repressed ones; demands for confiscated or suppressed pasts; interest in “roots” and genealogy; commemorative events and new museums; opening archives to the public; and, finally, fondness for what English-speakers call “heritage” and the French “