Memory mobilization, generational differences, and communication effects on collective memory about Tiananmen in Hong Kong

Abstract

People in a society share collective memories about numerous historical events simultaneously, but not every event is equally salient all the time. This study examines the implications of memory mobilization on recall of historical events. Memory mobilization is treated as a process that involves communication activities via a wide range of platforms. Focusing on Hong Kong people’s memory of the 1989 Tiananmen Incident in Beijing, this study found that more people recalled the event during the period of memory mobilization, and communication activities involving interpersonal exchanges were related to recall of Tiananmen mainly in that period. In addition, the findings showed that the process of memory mobilization operated differently for different age cohorts. The theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.