Memory, Mascots, and Midwestern Identity: On the Necessity of Critical Forgetting

Abstract

Through qualitative interviews and archival research, this project explores the intersections between memory, mascots, and Midwestern identity. I examine two Midwestern towns: my hometown of Pekin, IL, whose former mascot was the “Pekin chinks,” and Mukwonago, WI, whose current mascot is the “Mukwonago Indians.” I argue that the Midwest’s unique cultural positioning has led to these two communities allowing these offensive mascots to ingrain themselves into the towns’ histories and reputations in negative ways. This is because of the distinction between “curated” and “colloquial” public memory. Whereas curated public memory, such as memorials, museums, and historical sites are heavily present in public memory scholarship, colloquial public memory—the stories, symbols, and ideas that circulate more casually and communally—is under-explored. This project argues examines the use of examining colloquial public memory, explores the harm that can stem from it, and proposes a method for reducing that harm: critical forgetting.