HISTORY IS A WEAPON

[Panaconda]

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.

http://www.historyisaweapon.com/

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. As a historian, I can tell you that ACTUAL PROFESSIONAL

historians attempt to not inject bias. I said attempt, reality is that just HOW you do it injects a bias. For example, if I look at oh WW II, 1943, depending on what school I chose to follow, what questions I will ask. A military Historian may ask, what happened during El Alamein, while a Women's History may ask what did Nurses do during El Alamein...

Silly example, but yes it goes that way.

Me, doing history of labor, and given that I am asking the relationship between labor\management, my questions are different if I were doing Economic history.

Oh and yes, I could go on.

[Dr Morbius]

2. Anything can be a weapon.

A wrench is a weapon. A hammer is a weapon. History is a tool. If you want to use tools as weapons, I submit you haven't learned the lessons of history.

[Panaconda]

3. Whose history Doc?

I submit:



I also submit if you haven't learned that nation-states use, what you tritely call a "tool", as weapons at their constant disposal, then it is you who have not only not learned, but have also completely ignored these lessons. Much worse.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Actually, history has been treated as propaganda

From time to time...

In fact, this is one of the concerns of silly organizations as the American Historical Association.

Now last time I checked propaganda can and is seen as a weapon.

Speaking here as a historian, who had to take courses in graduate school dealing with this.

Hell, one course I am sure you took in college, Western Civ, was designed with a specific goal during the Cold War... think of what you were taught over that year of college, and perhaps you can understand what it was it's goal. Think, if you are old enough, what were you told about the USSR.

I'll admit a pretty young College Prof actually introduced her students into this in the first class meeting in 1992... and it was damn refreshing. She also played a few interesting movies, like Duck and Cover, to make her point.

[maryf]

5. Reminds me of Winston Smith's job...

k&r

[Panaconda]

6. Recommended Reading

http://www.historyisaweapon.com/hiawbooklist.html

'Look, if you think any American official is going to tell you the truth, then you're stupid. Did you hear that? — stupid.'
—Arthur Sylvester, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, 1965

[maryf]

7. Thank you so much...

always looking for good reading! :)