SHEENWELLA NAIDZE Y. SALAZAR BSPSYCH-2A GROUP 5- IT IS WHAT IS IT PSYCH 3 RATIONALIZATION Memory is a cognitive process that enables individuals to store, retain, and recall information over time. Within this broad concept, two specific types of memories play a significant role: autobiographical memory and flashbulb memory. Autobiographical memory refers to the recollection of personal experiences and life events that are unique to an individual, often containing emotional and contextual details. In contrast, flashbulb memory pertains to vivid, detailed memories of significant or emotional events, often accompanied by heightened clarity, like a snapshot frozen in time. Both types of memory illustrate the constructive nature of memory—the idea that memories are not perfect recordings of the past but are instead reconstructed and influenced by various factors, such as emotions, personal significance, and external cues. The animated video under discussion relates closely to these concepts by showcasing how memories shape individuals’ emotional experiences, decision-making, and personal narratives. Through the story of widowed fathers who preserve their wives’ memories to guide their children’s futures, the video highlights how memory processes influence identity, resilience, and emotional connection. The animation video takes inspiration from Hamilton’s reprise of Dear Theodosia, depicting widowed fathers who deeply reflect on their children’s future while grappling with the loss of their spouses. These fathers, despite their grief, hold onto cherished memories of their late wives to find the strength and purpose needed to raise their children. This storyline not only illustrates the emotional weight of memory but also underscores the challenges single parents face as they take on dual roles. Importantly, it brings to light how memory—whether autobiographical or flashbulb, can provide individuals with meaning, motivation, and guidance. The first scene portrays a father tenderly holding his child as he recalls the moment his late wife named their daughter. This memory introduces the concept of autobiographical memory, as the father recounts a personal, emotionally significant experience that shapes his perspective. The next scene shifts to the night of the wife’s passing, which highlights a flashbulb memory. The scene vividly captures the intensity of the father’s emotions, emphasizing the clarity and detail often associated with flashbulb memories. For the father, this moment remains imprinted in his mind, with its emotional impact heightened by the gravity of the event. Following this, the father shares another autobiographical memory with his child, how he remembers his wife through her role as both a loving mother and partner. This personal recollection not only reveals how individuals perceive and reconstruct memories but also underscores that memories can be subjective and unique to each person. To further illustrate the constructive nature of memory, the animation shows the father drawing strength from these memories, ultimately resolving to be the best parent he can for his child. In conclusion, the animated video effectively explores the intricate processes of memory, particularly autobiographical and flashbulb memories. It demonstrates how memories are both constructive and reconstructive, influenced by emotions, personal significance, and context. Memories, as showcased in the video, are not always entirely accurate representations of past events; instead, they can be shaped and reconstructed to provide meaning and purpose in the present. The fathers’ experiences in the animation highlight how memory processes guide individuals to persevere, make decisions, and nurture relationships despite life’s challenges.
