HISTORY IS
A WEAPON
History isn't what happened, but a story of what happened. And there
are always different
versions, different stories, about the same events. One version might revolve
mainly around a
specific set of facts while another version might minimize them or not include them at
all.
Like stories, each of these different versions of history contain different
lessons. Some histories
tell us that our leaders, at least, have always tried to do right for everyone. Others remark that the
emperors don't have the slaves' best interests at heart. Some teach us that
this is both what has always
been and what always will be. Others counsel that we shouldn't mistake
transient dominance for
intrinsic superiority. Lastly, some histories paint a picture where only the elites have the power to change the world,
while others point out that social change is rarely commanded from the top
down.
Regardless of the value of these many lessons, History isn't what happened,
but the stories of
what happened and the lessons these stories include. The very selection of
which histories to teach in a society
shapes our view of how what is came to be and, in turn, what we understand as
possible. This choice of which history to teach
can never be "neutral" or "objective." Those who choose, either following a
set agenda or guided by
hidden prejudices, serve their interests. Their interests could be to continue
this world as it now stands
or to make a new world.
We cannot simply be passive. We must choose whose interests are best: those who want to keep things going as they are or those who want to work to make a better world. If we choose the latter, we must seek out the
tools we will need. History is just one tool to shape our understanding of our
world. And every tool is a
weapon if you hold it right.
Our Amnesia Only Serves The Masters