Difficult Heritage: A Moral Reboot

Abstract

The article examines the complex issues within the field of “difficult heritage,” tracing its development in both practical application and academic analysis. It argues that current research approaches are often driven by political and ideological agendas, hindering a more nuanced understanding of how societies grapple with the past. While diverse interpretive models have emerged, the field remains largely rooted in moral judgments and ethical imperatives. I propose critical questions to stimulate discussion and move beyond the confines of existing “difficult heritage studies”, which are often burdened by moralistic perspectives. By prompting a shift in focus, this work aims to encourage a more subtle analysis of the multifaceted ways we engage with difficult past.