On the distribution of labour(s) in reckoning with hard histories

Abstract This article explores the ethical distribution of labour in addressing ‘hard history’ within cultural communities, focusing on histories that are difficult to confront due to their complex and emotionally charged nature. These include events like the genocide of Indigenous populations in the USA and the impacts of colonialism in the UK. Hard histories challenge national narratives and cultural identities; they evoke strong emotional responses, necessitating a deeper understanding of the past and its present implications. The central argument of the article is that, within a community, the responsibility for engaging with hard histories should not (as it often does) disproportionately fall on those who have been most directly harmed. The article provides an analysis of different types of labour involved in processing hard histories, proposing that an ethical distribution of labour requires prioritizing the voices of some community members (i.e. those most burdened) as they provide evaluative perspectives on ongoing projects. Others (i.e. those who have most benefited from these histories) should take on most of the other forms of labour, adopting a studious approach as they remain open to mutual learning about and engagement with these histories. This approach promotes empathy, critical thinking, and informed discussion, contributing to a more accurate understanding of cultural histories and their impact on contemporary society.