History & Society Conversation Guide

While historical narratives are often embraced as representing the “true history,” there is growing awareness of the degree to which they are, in fact, composed of specific interpretations of certain events (and not of others). As Winston Churchill stated, “History is written by the victors.” More than representing a specific version of the past, historical narratives are also oriented to the future. They create deep beliefs about who we are, where we come from, and what are the right prospects. They also construct images of the others and meanings of intergroup relations, describing others as enemies or allies, superiors or inferiors. Thus, historical narratives prescribe a specific course of actions and justify our attitudes and behaviors toward others. So let’s talk about it!