10 Things That Happen When You Try to Erase History
History is not just a collection of dates and events but a living narrative that shapes our identity, values, and understanding of the world. It’s our collective responsibility to preserve this narrative. Attempts to erase history, whether through censorship, destruction of monuments, revisionist education, or silencing dissent, may seem like a path to healing or control, but often lead to unintended consequences. While it may be tempting to delete uncomfortable chapters of the past, doing so can cause far more harm than good. Here are ten consequences of trying to erase history.
Realize that there are various perspectives on each segment of history. Most history is written about conquerors or winners, rather than those who were conquered or defeated. This type of manipulation needs to stop, and embellishment on both sides needs to be replaced by reality.
1. Loss of Context and Lessons Learned
Without historical context, societies risk repeating past mistakes. Erasing history removes the reference points that help us understand where policies, ideologies, or conflicts have led us in the past. This loss of context is a warning sign, telling us what worked and what didn’t work for any given group or segment of history, guiding our future decisions.
2. Weakening of Critical Thinking
When history is sanitized or manipulated, it discourages inquiry and debate. This stunts intellectual development and fosters blind acceptance rather than critical analysis. Blind acceptance is an excuse for covering up the past, so we don’t have to deal with it. However, healing can begin when we can face the past and deal with it openly.
3. Cultural Confusion
Cultural and national identities are rooted in shared histories. Erasing those histories creates confusion about who we are and where we come from, leaving a vacuum often filled with myth or manipulation. There are indications that a melting pot society can and should learn from history, allowing for cultural identification and blending cultures for future generations. It’s called understanding and trusting for the greater good.
4. Encouragement of Propaganda
Without an accurate record of events, those in power can reshape narratives to serve their interests, weaponizing the past to manipulate public opinion or suppress dissent. Just look at what 47 and his cronies are doing to the view of history in just the first 100 days of his administration. He believes he can obliterate history with an executive order, which is just wrong.
5. Disrespect for Victims and Survivors
Erasing atrocities or systemic injustices dishonors those who suffered and survived. It silences their stories and invalidates their experiences, often reopening wounds rather than promoting healing.
Being white, I have never forgotten that we were ALL immigrants at some point in our history, and I embrace the need to understand what our ancestors did to build this country. Some were heroic and others were atrocities. Continuing the atrocities is unacceptable.
6. Erosion of Trust in Institutions
Public trust erodes when educational systems, media, or governments manipulate history. People grow skeptical of official accounts, contributing to polarization and societal division.
7. Fueling of Extremist Movements
A vacuum left by erased history can be filled with radical ideologies. Extremists exploit the lack of historical awareness to justify dangerous narratives and recruit followers.
8. Cultural Vandalism and Loss of Heritage
Destroying monuments, literature, or records erases more than just information — it wipes out cultural heritage, artistry, and the physical traces of human journey and achievement. It must be remembered that some historical monuments can be offensive to many if they are worshipped by one group, rather than being seen as a representation of that time and place, good or bad.
9. Intergenerational Disconnect
Younger generations lose the ability to learn from the experiences of those who came before. This weakens the bond between generations and diminishes shared values and wisdom. It is so easy to forget what our ancestors went through over time and begin to devalue those brave movements. We see many articles today reflecting the generational doubt in some of the stories from the past that were stepping stones for growth.
10. Fragile Foundations for Progress
Actual progress is built on understanding and reconciling with the past, not pretending it didn’t happen. Without that foundation, social and moral progress becomes unstable and often regresses.
Conclusion:
Erasing history may temporarily relieve uncomfortable truths, but it ultimately undermines growth, integrity, and resilience. A mature society confronts its past with honesty, learns from it with humility, and preserves it with responsibility. By doing so, we honor the complexity of our journey and give future generations the tools they need to move forward wisely.
