Historical Truths: How Much Is Too Much?

Well that settles it, I just finished reading a fascinating book entitled: After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection. Essentially the authors go into various examples of how it is necessary to dig deeper into the data, and to take into account the many possible anomalies that are almost always present within the retelling of an event, rather than taking it at face value. One key focus is on cross-disciplinary research. The authors assert that in order to accurately understand historical records, they need to incorporate other disciplines into the process. Most notably these include, yet are not limited to; economics, geology, philosophy, politics, psychology, religion, and sociology. Their point being, the more diversified the education of the individual researcher, or group of researchers, the more rich the tapestry that unfolds in the understanding of an historical event.

It is truly amazing the amount of history we have at our disposal, that no one has actually seriously taken the time to focus the proper amount of research on, prior to presenting the information as "fact." There are so many different perspectives and personal relevancies to take into account, that understandably, painting an accurate picture of what really happened in any given event, can easily seem a daunting task, and one which most historians are not willing to undertake. Though I have always desired to know more about "what really happened," and consequently often criticized conventional presentations on a great many subjects, I find myself wondering how much truth one can digest, and remain sane. What I mean to say is that when we employ the full measure of techniques available to us, and the result is an accurate portrayal of certain events in human history, "it ain't' pretty!"

A great example of this is the history of African-Americans and the ordeal of slavery in America. We want to know more, we demand to know more, but when we receive delivery of the culmination of that demand, it is almost unbearable. To chapter after chapter, week in and week out focus on the atrocities borne upon the afro peoples, is more than any normal mind can cope with. It doesn't matter what race you are as a reader, if you have half a heart, and can muster even a shred of empathy, it is a stomach churning and sickeningly infuriating experience. Likewise to possess intimate knowledge of the truth behind "manifest destiny" and the great American expansion, and subsequent systematic genocide of Native "Archaic" Americans, it is really too much to process fully, internalize, and hold up to our own moral compasses and remain patriotic Americans.

It is like the old expression; "be careful what you wish for, you might just get it!" Likewise, it is my belief that anyone out there, who is wishing that our textbooks had more of the nitty-gritty truth housed within, best beware. Once you open some doors, they never close again.

Tags: African Americans, After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection, Atrocity, Genocide, History, Native Americans