On Literature and Survival: Lessons from across the Border

Abstract

ABSTRACT This commentary, which reflects on literature and memory against the backdrop of Latin American Studies, is framed by moving from a global perspective to events in Latin America and then addressing the Southern Cone’s dramatic experience during the second half of the twentieth century. Civic-military dictatorships made radical changes in this region’s countries through their systematic pursuit of massive killings, disappearances, sustained repression, and the exile of tens of thousands of citizens. The pursuit of justice followed different paths after the collapse or surrender of each of the regimes. These ranged from bringing the top echelons of the military juntas to justice, to a plebiscite to forego such trials, or being forced to accept the presence of an emblematic dictator in the transition to democracy. As part of the reckoning with the long-lasting ramifications of the most brutal experience that the citizenry was compelled to endure, the denunciation of crimes and the concomitant politics of memory and oblivion took center stage. It underscores the need to learn ways of preserving and acting on the memories while moving forward and building democratic and participatory societies. It is also noteworthy that professors are encouraged to be discerning while teaching literature and culture, as the material included in a syllabus can make a difference to the indifferent, particularly in democratic societies where fascism has been making insidious headway