The haunting truth of ghost stories | Coya Paz Brownrigg (re-release)

Ghost stories function as an alternative archive, preserving historical truths often omitted from official records, particularly regarding systemic violence and injustice. Coya Paz Brownrigg, a historian and performance maker, argues that the validity of a ghost's existence matters less than the stories themselves, which act as vessels for collective memory and unresolved trauma. These narratives frequently emerge in spaces of displacement or gentrification, reflecting deeper anxieties about belonging and historical accountability. By categorizing ghosts into the "furious returned," the "leave-me-alone" types, and the "still with us," individuals can navigate complex emotions surrounding grief, loss, and the desire for connection. Ultimately, engaging with these stories provides a framework for acknowledging the past, confronting vulnerability, and fostering meaningful dialogue about the histories that continue to haunt the present.