Hopelessness, Counter-Memory and Counter-Aspirations

“Hopelessness, Counter Memory and Counter-Aspirations”, summarizes the key limitations of social science memorial studies and those of the therapy focused psychological studies, to chart the rationale for the chapter's focus. In line with the contextual realities of the Global South, the chapter shifts the focus from memory and memorials to the everyday lived and felt experiences of terror attack survivors over 10 years. The exploration engages with fluid memories, aspiration, hope, hopelessness, counter-memory and counter-aspirations, as shaped by the dynamic macro socio-structural and everyday context. Going beyond the memory of the terror attack, the chapter examines memories of the pleasant past, the pain and suffering, aspirations and hope, bringing forth the interface between the past, present and future, in structuring memory and trauma. Memories of denial of needs, future aspirations, support and recognition emerge from the narratives as factors contributing to hopelessness. The chapter also traces the evolution of memory, aligned with that of the official and public narrative in the initial years, towards widespread assertions of counter-memories among many survivors in the 10th year. The counter-aspirations emerging from the survivor narratives chart the way forward for shaping praxis and policy in the Global South where memorials, therapeutic and support services are largely unavailable. The chapter concludes with the examination of the emergence of counter-memory and aspirations and underlines the significance of material and immaterial supportive interventions in addressing distress and recovery of terror attack survivors. The case of Ms B, titled “Memory, Hope and Aspirations: Falling through the Cracks”, illustrates the manifestation of the key themes addressed in the chapter, within a survivor's life.