History

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Recently, while digging through the stacks of old text books at Murk's Palatial Estate, I found some old history books and some old science journals. Here are a few quotes:

"Until recently, not much was known about the Japanese Islands. The Japanese are a primitive culture, with little to no industry. They are fierce and superstitious bearded men, some having horns and extended front teeth, and they will not willingly give up the secrets of the islands. Their women, although beautiful, are just as barbaric as their men. Reports of demon worship and large sacrificial fires have surfaced from time to time, but the truth about their inhuman nature is far worse than any tale can convey."

Contrast with a later text:

"The Japanese are a highly industrious peoples. Their skill in machinery is surpased only by their love of war and gambling. The entire culture is ablaze with colours of blood red, firey demonic orange and sickly yellow. The men cannot grow beards and are all of substandard height. Their women rarely walk in the open and have a ghostly white palour to them. Their culture is awash in myth and legend that clearly predates the Chinese by some 5000 years."

Contrast with a text from the 1980's:

"Walkmans anyone? Have you ever been to Japan? Of course not. Japan is very far away but soon, it may be right in your backyard. The Japanese are technological giants and ambitious businessmen. Since World War II (with the help of Uncle Sam), Japan has emerged as a Superpower on a global scale. Japanese business owns 90% of America! Think of that the next time you put your headphones on!"

And then there's this tidbit from 2003:

"Japan has fallen off the world stage as of late. A monetary crisis and competition from China and South Korea has plunged them into obscurity. Culturally, Japan has become a wasteland of pornography, electronic games and risque cartoons. Japan is heavily in debt to the United States and other European Countries. American 'Goth' culture has also invaded Japan. Their young men hang out on the streets dressed as Anime Heroes, and their women appear in lewd game shows, dressed as Sailor Moon."

So, how do we explain History, then? Is it merely an opinion? Is it current events? Is any of it real, permanent or even reliable?

Or are we all just telling ourselves a convenient story so that we can sleep at night knowing that the world follows a progression of truths right into our current day?