Why History turns ‘Yellow’ like that of Yellow Journalism -Abdus Salam
History is like a grand puzzle, each piece a story from the past, shaped by voices, interpretations, and the perspectives of those who record it. From textbooks to documentaries, we grow up trusting that history is an accurate reflection of what happened. But here’s the catch: not all history is the “true” history. How could it be? History is often written by those in power, shaded by their desires, and influenced by what they choose to highlight—or hide. In absence of crosschecking History turns ‘Yellow’ like that of yellow journalism.
Imagine standing in a room full of mirrors, each reflecting the same person but with a slightly different angle, distortion, or focus. That’s history for you. The events themselves are like the person in the room—unchanging—but the stories about those events are like the reflections, each one altered by the storyteller’s viewpoint. So, why don’t we always get the full truth? And how can we, as curious minds, unravel these mysteries? This is the question.
A Matter of Perspective
History isn’t just about dates and events; it’s about how people interpret them. A king who wages a war might write about his victory as a noble quest for justice, while the defeated side might remember it as a tragedy of oppression. Both accounts are “true” in their own way but tell entirely different stories. For example, think about the way colonial history is presented in different countries. In the colonizing nations, it might be portrayed as a “civilizing mission,” while in the colonized lands, it’s remembered as a period of suffering and resistance. The same events, but vastly different interpretations.
This phenomenon happens because history is recorded by humans, and humans are naturally biased. They might unconsciously favor their own culture, beliefs, or goals. Even well-meaning historians can’t escape the influences of their times. Imagine if you were to write about your favorite sports team’s big win—would you focus more on their skillful play or the mistakes of the losing team? Chances are, your personal feelings would sneak into the story.
The Power of Silence
Have you ever noticed that some parts of history seem to be missing altogether? That’s no coincidence. Powerful individuals, governments, or societies often decide what’s worth remembering and what’s better forgotten. This process is called “selective history,” and it shapes the narratives we inherit. Take, for instance, the histories of indigenous peoples. In many countries, their stories were silenced or erased to promote a different narrative, one that suited the colonizers. The heroes of one group were painted as villains by another. And sometimes, entire events were ignored to make the past look brighter than it really was.
Why would anyone do this? Well, history is a tool of influence. When a nation controls its historical narrative, it can inspire patriotism, justify its actions, or solidify its power. By leaving out uncomfortable truths, they present a version of history that aligns with their goals.
Asking Questions
This is where you, the curious learner, come in. The key to understanding the past lies in questioning it. Who wrote this history? Why did they write it? What might they have left out? By asking these questions, you become a detective, piecing together the clues to uncover a fuller, richer story. For now, remember: every history has a voice, but not all voices are heard equally. Keep listening, questioning, and exploring—you’re on the path to discovering the truths that history sometimes hides.
The Many Layers of History
If every story has two sides, then history has hundreds. Understanding this is like peeling an onion—you uncover layer after layer, each one bringing you closer to a deeper truth. But here’s the challenge: history is infinite, and no matter how many layers we peel, some truths might always remain hidden. This is not because people don’t care but because time itself often buries evidence. Documents fade, voices are silenced, and memories blur. Still, hope is not lost. The beauty of history lies in its ability to evolve.
In the first part of this article, we talked about how perspective and power shape history. Now, let’s explore how we can reclaim the past and ensure a fairer, more inclusive understanding of it.
Reclaiming Lost Voices
One of the most powerful ways to approach history is to actively seek out the stories that were ignored or erased. Over the past few decades, movements have emerged worldwide to rediscover these lost voices. Indigenous peoples, women, enslaved communities, and other marginalized groups are reclaiming their place in history.
For example, historians have begun to reexamine the role of women in ancient civilizations, showing how they contributed to governance, science, and culture. Similarly, archeologists and anthropologists have unearthed rich traditions from indigenous cultures that were once dismissed as insignificant. Each new discovery adds to the mosaic of human history, making it richer and more accurate.
This process of rediscovery reminds us that history is not static; it is alive, constantly growing and changing. It’s like a giant quilt, where every piece of fabric tells a story. The more pieces we add, the more vibrant and complete the picture becomes.
The Role of Curiosity and Empathy
To truly understand history, we must approach it with curiosity and empathy. Curiosity drives us to ask questions and dig deeper, while empathy allows us to connect with the people of the past, even if their experiences differ from our own. By combining these qualities, we can bridge the gaps between different perspectives.
Imagine reading a diary from a child who lived through the Great Depression. Their words may seem distant from our modern lives, but empathy helps us feel their struggles, joys, and fears. It’s through this connection that history transforms from a dry list of facts into something deeply human and meaningful.
Why History Matters
Understanding the complexity of history isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s essential for building a better future. History teaches us about mistakes and triumphs, warning us of dangers and inspiring us with courage. By acknowledging multiple perspectives, we create a world that values diversity and learns from its past rather than repeating its errors.
When we ask, “Why doesn’t every history provide the true history?” the answer is both simple and profound: because history is written by humans, and humans are imperfect. But that imperfection is what makes history so fascinating. It’s a reminder that the truth is never out of reach—it just requires effort, patience, and an open mind to uncover.
The Grand Puzzle
So here’s the perfect ending: history is not a closed book. It’s an endless puzzle waiting for new pieces to be added. As you explore history, remember that every question you ask and every perspective you consider helps complete the picture.
Be the one who listens to the unheard voices, who challenges the dominant narratives, and who seeks the whole story. Because when you do, you’re not just learning about the past—you’re shaping the future. And that, dear reader, is the most exciting part of all.
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