Nostalgia Is a Feeling

In contrast with dominant conceptualizations of nostalgia as either cynical manipulation of history or reactionary political strategy, this chapter argues that nostalgia must be understood first as an affective engagement with the present. Drawing on the work of Sarah Ahmed and Lauren Berlant, Dwyer outlines the dangers of stigmatizing or pathologizing nostalgia, and makes the case for a careful theorization of nostalgic feeling. An intentional focus on the historical and affective dynamics of nostalgia enables us to interrogate the conditions under which nostalgia is felt, and the diverse and sometimes competing interests that seek to mobilize that feeling. Doing so offers a path forward for utilizing nostalgia in ways that may benefit our individual and collective futures.