Cultural memory, white innocence, and United States territory: the 2022 Urban Geography Plenary Lecture

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, I explore how hegemonic forms of cultural memory in the United States, specifically, National Historic Landmarks, represent white supremacy and colonization. National Historic Landmarks are a particular form of commemoration that, according to the National Park Service, “represent an outstanding aspect of American history and culture and embod[y] national significance.” We examined how such sites represent white supremacy and colonization, based on the nomination materials as well as fieldwork, especially in terms of territorial development. Through our analysis, we identified four primary forms of representation: erasure, valorization, multiculturalism, and acknowledgement. Erasure, valorization, and acknowledgement all constitute denial, albeit in distinct ways. Altogether, over 90% of all National Historic Landmarks denied white supremacy and colonization. I argue that such monumental denial is essential to reproducing white innocence; acknowledging the racial violence embedded in the territorial development of the United States would constitute a crisis for the white nation.