Notes to the Old Country

Body, Memory and Autobiographic Text - Israel September/October 2000

Abstract

The article presents notes from several authors about Israel and on various issues related to social sciences. Sociologist-turned-psychoanalyst Jeff Prager averred that memory is never separated from social and temporal factors and is a vital part of the developmental process. Autobiography reader Gillian Whitlock stated that postcolonial criticism can bring a sense of agency to the reader and an urgency of reading. Whitlock further added that autobiographic writing is connected to a continuing process of authorization to capture the reader. Dagmar Lorenz-Meyer cited Maurice Merleau-Ponty's argument on phantom limb which is perceived as present despite its amputation. The author also described Ashis Nandy who stood in Jerusalem and performed an act that reflected modernity.