Scientists believe that they have discovered the reason why personal memories of living with remarkable public events remain in the brains of most individuals even decades after they had happened. Apparently, there is a scientific reason that makes us remember where we were and what we were doing when tragedies or emotive events occurred.
This is due to the so-called ‘flash’ memories. Psychologists believe that when a major public event or tragedy takes place, that memory is so emotionally significant to the individual that it is thus “presented by the brain as vividly, completely and precisely as possible, as if it were a photograph – blending the event itself with the private life and unique experiences of each one”.
When the brain identifies an event as significant to the individual, or if the person in question feels a personal or cultural tie to the event, then there is a greater propensity for a strong emotional reaction to result in a flash memory.
I do remember where I was, with whom and who told me the tragics news.
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Question of
Do you remember where you were when Princess Diana died?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you have other flash memories?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you believe in this theory?
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Yes
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No
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I remember that that day very well when I was glued to television watching the burial session. How people were lined in long rows waiting to see the casket of Princess Diana as it passed by. I admired that lady very much.
I remember where I was … at home because I was sick
I remember well and I remembered – I was right then in Paris
Yes, I do remember when Princess Diana died. I was lying on the couch in my living room watching television when I turned to a channel and heard a news report. We were living in El Paso, Texas. I also remember when John F. Kennedy was shot. I was a young child growing up in Miami, Florida. The flash theory sounds reasonable.
I remember … I was in the house with my son when I heard on TV. Very sad. She was a wonderful person.
Yes I remember it clearly. I was working in a nursing home at the time. I was shocked and saddened. It was on every tv.
Similar to PTSD, which I have. And I remember.