-
“The study of history cannot be a mere celebration of those who struggled on our behalf. We must be instructed by history and should transform history into concrete reality, into planning and development, into the construction of power and the ability to ensure our survival as a people. If not, [it] becomes an exercise in the inflation of egos; it becomes an exercise that cuts us further off from reality. Ironically, we now see even other people who are not our friends joining us in this celebration, which means that they must see in it some means of protecting their own interests, and see in it something that works for them, and possibly against us. If they can celebrate our history and see it as something positive, then it means that we are not using it in a revolutionary sense. They do not see our study of it as a threat to their power. If we are not studying it in a way that it is a threat to their power then we are studying it incorrectly, and our celebration of it is helping to maintain us in a state of deception. So let us make sure that we look at and study history in a light such that it advances our interests, not inflates our egos and blinds us to reality.”
Amos N. Wilson
The Falsification of Afrikan Consciousness
4 Comments-
Very wise words
-
indeed.
-
-
“So let us make sure that we look at and study history in a light such that it advances our interests, not inflates our egos and blinds us to reality.”
Self-reflection – what tangible evidence exists that demonstrates I have advanced our interests through study of our history?
How can I turn this point of history that stirs me into at least one action step or transforms me?-
questions we all should be asking, and answering, ourselves daily.
-
-
