Never really thought of that. But overly patriotic people are

Reply +8 123456789123345869

(10/18/2013) [-]

"History is a set of lies, agreed upon"
-Napoleon Bonaparte

Although, as a history major (and hopeful future historian) I have to disagree with that statement, as well as the statement that "history is written by the victors." I don't mean to say that, in some cases, these statements are inaccurate. Tyrannical governments have often used inaccurate histories as propagandas, and considering the state of America's public education, and especially high school history programs, you could make the argument that history was indeed written by the victors.

But within the actual historical community, that claim is about as relevant as the argument "Evolution is JUST a theory." Like any academic community, historians are incredibly skeptical, constantly refuting prior theses, and always bickering over the theses of their contemporaries. This is all part of the process to uncovering the "truth."
I think it's actually rather amazing when you look back and consider the evolution of the historical process. It's incredibly similar to how the scientific community operates as well. Historians build upon the work of their predecessors, expanding and improving the historical narrative, each time getting closer and closer to the truth.

TL;DR
History isn't really written by the victors in my opinion.
Also, I'm a bit high right now, so if any of that needs some further explanation, let me know, I'd be happy to oblige.

#57 to #17 - Hurtz

Reply 0 123456789123345869

(10/18/2013) [-]

Your Username says one thing; your post says another - -
EXPLAIN THAT

#38 to #17 - fgtometer

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(10/18/2013) [-]

Popular representations of history (particularly those taught to children, which IMO is the most crucial) are definitely biased, though.

#32 to #17 - RageGuyyourmom

Reply +1 123456789123345869

(10/18/2013) [-]

You're the dick who actually chose the question that says "evaluate this statement" in exams didn't you? Haha

#18 to #17 - dagold

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(10/18/2013) [-]

You have a point though. When I was a kid and learning about history, Thomas Edison and Christopher columbus were made out to be these great men, when they were actually bastards who manipulated and stole. But since these were the men who came out on top, they are made out to be great men.

On the opposite end, we are aware of how bastardly they really were because the losers do have their own history to write, it just isn't as popular. Dig a little, and you will see both sides.

#19 to #18 - InglushMayjur

Reply +1 123456789123345869

(10/18/2013) [-]

Yeah man, and the big part of that is our public education. Americans just don't give a damn about history anymore, and they certainly don't want any history to be damage our precious childrens' view of America.

Here's a personal example. Growing up, and throughout high school, I, not once, learned ANYTHING about Latin America aside from the cursory talk about the Aztecs. When we discussed the Cold War, the entire context was based around Europe. So, imagine my surprise my senior year of high school, when in SPANISH class, I was assigned a project on Argentina's Dirty War. This sparked my interest in Latin American Cold War history, which I'll try to keep brief for you, but it was basically a long, bloody story of America going from country to country, overthrowing democracies and establishing dictatorships. And this was a KEY part of our Cold War strategy. Why wasn't any of this taught in any of my history courses? Why did it take an elective class to teach me? Man, public education is just ******.

#20 to #19 - dagold

Reply +2 123456789123345869

(10/18/2013) [-]

Yep. It is why I'm not surprised so many people hate america. We are literally bred to be entitled, self righteous little *****

#21 to #20 - InglushMayjur

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(10/18/2013) [-]

****, man, I can relate to that. Nothing destroys your sense of patriotism more than historical truth. Probably why most historians are alcoholics.

#22 to #21 - dagold

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(10/18/2013) [-]

Never really thought of that. But overly patriotic people are obnoxious because they constantly just yell about our 'freedoms' when we aren't anywhere near the most freedom filled country. I'm a soldier, but not because I'm a big flag waving patriot, but because I want to be able to protect those I care about. Not many people realize that is all most soldiers really want.