Race, Nation, and Cultural Memory

Traditionalism is the primary mode by which conservatives rewrite history and reshape cultural memory. Traditionalism can be not only a reactionary, even hostile, act; in many instances, it can push back or outright erase the profound contributions of individual actors, social movements, and historic events that expose traditionalism’s often illegitimate claims to political or ethical superiority. This issue of RHR is intended as an intervention into the politics of traditionalism. The articles, interviews, and reviews in this special issue help us to historicize the ways in which cultural memories are formed, challenged, and often erased for the sake of political expediency. They also demonstrate how appeals to cultural memory or national mythology can be used to transform the narratives of nationhood.