Recently I read an article in Time about memory. Apparently, "researchers are raising the stakes with a mind-boggling question: can certain memories be intentionally targeted and changed, maybe even eradicated?"For those who waste a lot of time watching movies like myself, does this sound familiar? This is the exact premise of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," a great film with a popular cast (Rated-R but we have an edited copy if anyone is interested).
The plot of the movie was actually kind of complex. Jim Carrey's character recently broke up with Kate Winslet's and was shocked to find out she had the memories of their relationship scientifically removed. He is so upset by the news that he hires the same company to remove his memories of their relationship and that is where a series of interesting twists take place.
Unlike the movie the research here revolves around the reconsolidation theory, that "some memories can be modified by new information, either intentionally or naturally." In rodent testing researchers have been able to alter bad memories. PTSD, assault, robbery, rape, or an accident just to name a few.
Their not sure if they will ever be able to fully remove a bad memory but "researchers believe they may be able to target the fear part of the memory but leave the details of what happened intact." In other words, they will look back on the memory without any emotion; memories still there but no more fear, anxiety, or stress.
Here is my question; if this was possible would you do it? And if you chose to do it what memories would you eradicate?
I've thought about this a lot. I've had my share of disturbing, embarrassing, and traumatic memories, including junior high, Army Basic Training, the disease and death of my mother, certain adventures in Ukraine, my wedding night, Heidi's cancer, and Henry coming out of Heidi.
But you know what? Just like Jim Carrey's character I realize that these memories are what makes me unique and who I am. I feel I've learned from these experiences and that I am a better person as a result. Back to my questions; if you could would you, and if so which memories would you choose to eliminate?
4 comments:
Very interesting question. I don't think I would remove my memories because I'm lazy and I think that would take a lot of work. And because I'm afraid I would make the same mistakes if I didn't remember what a big dork I was. Just a little advice for you: Do not put your wedding night and the birth of your son under something you want to forget, no matter how traumatic it was. You may hurt someone's feelings!!!!
What was so wrong with our wedding night? And the birth of Henry was the most wonderful experience in the world.
Maybe I need to preview Dan's posts. (Although he is posting like crazy lately-has anyone else noticed?)
I have wanted to see that movie...too bad you are so far away...maybe we should start a family Netflix thing.
Like Katrine, I have little desire to sort through all my memories...and like you, I don't know that I want to see how it would change me if I didn't remember what those experiences were like. And with all the bad in my life, there has been some good to come out of it too, and I don't think you could really separate the two. You would have to just throw out the baby with the bath water, and I don't know that that is worth it.
Heaven knows I have some memories I would love to change or forget. But, no, I don't think I would do it. I agree that they're all things that have made me who I am.
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