雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'cultural memory' has gained significant traction in recent decades, particularly in the fields of sociology and history. Unlike individual memory, which is biological and ephemeral, cultural memory is a collective construct, sustained through shared symbols, rituals, and narratives. It is not a passive repository of past events, but an active process of selection and interpretation, shaped by present-day concerns and power dynamics. For instance, the commemoration of historical events often privileges certain perspectives while marginalizing others, thereby influencing a society's identity and political trajectory. Scholars argue that cultural memory is inherently malleable, subject to revision as new generations reinterpret the past to meet contemporary needs. This dynamic nature, however, raises critical questions about authenticity and the ethical responsibilities of those who curate public memory, such as museums and educational institutions.