Tra damnatio memoriae e cancel culture: come e perché si riscrive la storia.

The authors explore the universal human tendency to reinterpret or erase uncomfortable aspects of the past, bridging ancient and modern times. They begin by analyzing Roman “damnatio memoriae,” the practice of systematically obliterating an individual’s legacy from inscriptions, monuments, and public memory, exemplified by Emperor Caracalla’s suppression of his brother Geta. Such historical instances reveal how political power manipulates collective memory to maintain authority. Transitioning to the present, the authors investigate the contentious notion of “cancel culture,” in which individuals, artistic creations, or entire cultural narratives are publicly shunned or ‘canceled’ when deemed morally offensive or harmful. Throughout the discussion, they challenge reductive comparisons, highlighting that while both phenomena seek to eliminate perceived threats from communal consciousness, their societal frameworks and motivations diverge significantly. Drawing on modern reinterpretations of classical texts and the role of digital media, the authors underscore how ancient perspectives illuminate contemporary debates about identity, culture, and representation. Ultimately, they argue that attempts to rewrite or discard problematic history can expose deeper struggles with memory, accountability, and the human drive to construct a more acceptable present—and future. By examining these parallels, the essay invites readers to critically engage with both past and present narratives.