Authors

Discussion

This paper investigates the concept of mnemonic exclusion in the Czech Republic 35 years after the Velvet Revolution, focusing on how contemporary political polarization shapes collective memory. Based on ethnographic research conducted in November 2024, I examine how marginalized groups are excluded not only socioeconomically but also symbolically, as they remain absent in commemorative practices and public memory of the Velvet Revolution. This study is part of a larger comparative project, Memory and Populism from Below, which explores how populist movements influence collective remembrance and the politics of identity across diverse societies. By analyzing commemoration events and public discourse, I argue that such symbolic exclusions contribute to a form of social marginalization that extends beyond material deprivation. This research provides insight into the intersections of historical memory, populism, and identity in a polarized Czech political landscape, contributing to a deeper understanding of memory politics in contemporary Europe.