The term 'postmemory,' coined by Marianne Hirsch, describes the relationship of those who grow up after a traumatic event to that event, even though they did not directly experience it. It’s a specifically second-generation experience, shaped by stories, images, and behaviors transmitted from those who did live through the trauma. The Heysel Stadium disaster of 1985, often referred to as 'Heisch,' provides a potent example for understanding postmemory. Those born after 1985, particularly those connected to Liverpool or Juventus football clubs, experience the tragedy through narratives – family stories, documentaries, media coverage, and collective mourning rituals. This isn't their memory of the event, but a deeply felt, mediated connection to the trauma experienced by others, shaping their identity and understanding of the past. The disaster becomes part of their inherited emotional and historical landscape.

Postmemory involves the transmission of trauma or cultural experiences from one generation to the next, shaping the identity and understanding of those who did not directly experience the event. This concept is closely related to the idea of inherited trauma and cultural heritage, where the memories and experiences of previous generations are passed down and influence the present. This can include the transmission of cultural values, historical events, and personal stories through literature, art, and oral tradition.