Erasable History or Resilient Memory: Debunking the Myth
In today's era, one might wonder if it is possible to erase anyone or anything from history. The brief attention spans and an increasingly moral-psychological understanding of history have led many to question whether history can indeed be erased. However, the reality is far more complex and nuanced.
Changing Views on History
It is a fact that our views on history can and do change. Historiography, the study of the history of writing history, demonstrates how perspectives shift.
For instance, the post-Civil War Reconstruction era was once viewed in a tragic light, depicting it as a time when ignorant Black people gained votes and government office, while the heroic Ku Klux Klan was seen as the savior of the South. This narrative is no longer taught because it was found to be inaccurate. Yet, history is more than just a linear progression of events—it requires context and a deeper understanding of the characters and motivations involved.
This change in perspective does not mean we ignore the Reconstruction era or the rise of the Klan; it simply means we approach it from a more well-rounded and accurate viewpoint.
The Challenge of Erasing History
Writing history is a monumental task, and even if parts of it are altered, the overall memory of events cannot be completely erased. In the United States, for example, attempts have been made to shift the narrative of slavery to one of immigration. However, this shift would take monumental effort and would leave an indelible mark on historical records, which could be revisited and verified.
Records, once written, are extremely difficult to erase. Even minor alterations could be detected through careful research. Historians use various methods to cross-reference and validate the information, leaving traces that are hard to cover up.
The Myth of Total Erasure
Utopian scenarios of total erasure are more akin to science fiction than reality. In 1000 AD, half of the Bible was torn off and disposed of, only to be rediscovered centuries later. This incident highlights that even when parts of history are erased, they can resurface through proper research.
Historical records are pervasive and widespread across numerous sources, from written documents to oral traditions in music, opera, and the performing arts. Oral histories can persist, making it nearly impossible to fully erase an event from history.
Conclusion
While the idea of completely erasing history might seem appealing in a dystopian narrative, the reality is that history is resilient. With countless records and archives, the truth can often be uncovered and reestablished through diligent research and validation.
It is important to approach history with a critical and open mind, acknowledging that our understanding evolves with time and new evidence. The act of rewriting history might be possible in parts, but the essence of an event can persist, making the complete erasure of history a nearly impossible feat.