About Erasure

Erasure Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the exploration of erased, omitted or marginalised identities, narratives and cultural representations. This field addresses how histories, stories and identities are often left out or suppressed in mainstream culture, whether through deliberate censorship, social norms, systemic bias or lack of representation. The aim of erasure studies is to identify, analyze and restore these silenced voices, recognising that erasure impacts not only marginalized groups directly but also the collective understanding of history and society.

The concept of erasure in this context is not new. It is a formal recognition of erasure as a field of study that has gained momentum over the past few decades, particularly with the rise of critical theory, post-colonial studies and intersectional feminist discourse. Scholars within erasure studies draw from multiple disciplines—literature, history, sociology, gender studies and media studies—to understand and address the ways certain voices are systematically silenced. The intention is to critique and dismantle the structures that perpetuate these erasures and to recover lost or hidden narratives.

Erasure as a concept has roots in the post-World War II period, notably through the work of marginalized scholars who began questioning dominant narratives in history and literature. The Civil Rights Movement, Feminist theory and Post-colonial theory of the 1960s and 70s introduced challenges to established historical narratives and encouraged new perspectives on identity and voice. With more nuanced explorations of race and gender, these fields examined how minority identities had been erased from mainstream narratives. Several well-known cases illustrate the harmful impact of erasure on marginalised groups. One prominent example is the erasure of African-American contributions to American history, especially in fields such as science, culture and politics. Figures like African-American inventor Lewis Latimer, who made essential improvements to the light bulb, are often overlooked in favour of well-known white inventors like Thomas Edison. Such omissions contribute to a skewed understanding of history and the achievements of minority communities.

Another case involves the erasure of Indigenous cultures and histories. In many Western narratives, Indigenous people have been portrayed as either a ‘vanishing race’ or rather as historical artifacts than active members of contemporary society. This erasure is seen in how many school curricula omit or underrepresent Indigenous history, focusing instead on alien perspectives that paint appropriation in a favourable light. The consequences of erasure are deep. By systematically excluding certain genuine narratives, an incomplete understanding of history is created, which limits empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Erasure denies groups the validation of their experiences and contributions, leading to feelings of invisibility and disempowerment among marginalized communities. Moreover, it perpetuates stereotypes and biases that support the status quo, reinforcing systemic inequalities.

One major critique of erasure is its ability to influence societal memory—essentially, what a culture collectively remembers and values. Historical erasure prevents the transmission of authentic knowledge from one generation to the next, which weakens cultural heritage and identity. This leads to a distorted culture where minority experiences are seen as abnormal or aberrant, rather than as integral parts of the human experience. While erasure remains widespread, erasure studies empower scholars and communities to reclaim suppressed narratives through critical analysis, artistic expression and education. Literature courses increasingly feature works by marginalized authors, promoting diverse voices alongside established texts. Media representation of racial and ethnic minorities is also growing, as creators strive to depict authentic, multidimensional characters. Today technology too advances marginalised communities by providing platforms—social media, blogs and digital archives—for self-representation. Movements like Black Lives Matter have spotlighted issues of erasure, urging institutions to address these representational gaps and acknowledge silenced histories.

Erasure studies make us believe that history, however uncomfortable, cannot be erased. Dominant narratives may attempt to silence and distort certain voices, yet these voices often reemerge, proving history is a mosaic, not a monolith. Each erased story leaves traces—through artifacts, memories or cultural influence—that prove the diversity and resilience of human experience. History cannot simply be edited; it holds all voices and lived realities. By recognising and reclaiming erased narratives, we build a world that honours the richness of human identity, ensuring that every story is heard without any deformation.