The Collective Memory of Air Pollution: "An Airstrike of Fine Dust"

This is a contrast of two images of landscape in Seoul. The left image was taken in March 20th and the right one was taken in March 26th, 2018 in Seoul. Korea citizens assumed that the quality of air dramatically changed in a week since the wind started to blow from Chinese East coast where lots of factories released chemical. The title of the picture “an airstrike of fine dust” supposes the embarrassing and unexpected attack of fine dust to Korea Peninsular. The juxtaposition of the two contrary images and the title of the photo reflect the common sense of citizens and implies that degeneration of “our” air quality is able to be caused not by "our fault."

I selected the picture since it indicates the general recognition and collective memory of citizens with respect to air pollution and the environment. The sudden air pollution caused by fine dust – supposedly from China – raised the question of transnational responsibility of environmental issues between South Korea and China. The intentional juxtaposition of the two images generates a yearning for past and an accusation of deterioration of air quality against Chinese companies and government. Therefore, this is a good example of how media (re)produces collective memory regarding air pollution and how the discourse of air pollution is constructed in society. 

Source: http://www.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/201803261431456752