3 ms·

Yeah I think it could've easily been included (even just a sentence[0] and a link to something that explored it in a bit more detail maybe?) but I don't think t

by smcl 3y ago

Yeah I think it could've easily been included (even just a sentence[0] and a link to something that explored it in a bit more detail maybe?) but I don't think there was any malice in its omission. Some people want to rewrite or whitewash history, but I don't think that was the case here. [0] - update: user jjeaff included an example of the kind of sentence I meant here https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35951313 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35951313

boplicity 3y ago
I think most whitewashing of history comes out of the urge to avoid uncomfortable topics, rather than any malice. The topic of genocide, for example, opens a huge can of worms. It's much easier to keep that can of worms out of sight. Plus, in the interest of storytelling, you often don't want to open up "threads" in a story that don't support the main plot. I've noticed this is especially true for children's books. They have to have a happy ending. (I mean, who wants to read a kids book that leaves the kid depressed about history?) Of course, because of this, many kids grow up thinking that "problems" like racism are things that were solved in the past. And that's because those problems were solved in the books that have been read to them, or that they've read. (This is based on my experience reading many hundreds of books to my kids.) Anyways, that's a bit of a tangent.
- smcl 3y ago
  Honestly I'm with you on everything you have said in this thread. I was dancing around it because I didn't want to be too accusatory, but I might as well say that what I meant is that if someone's writing little "oo what if we were eating hippos" pieces and the like, I would understand if they didn't want to become a victim of targeted hatred from the weird MAGA guys who can easily get set off by smaller things like this. It may sound silly but they can be dedicated, persistent and creative so if someone figures "it's not worth it for the $x00 I'm getting" then fine. Note: not accusing anyone in this thread of anything like that, it’s pretty cordial as far as I can tell even if I disagree with some

by smcl 3y ago

boplicity 3y ago

I think most whitewashing of history comes out of the urge to avoid uncomfortable topics, rather than any malice. The topic of genocide, for example, opens a huge can of worms. It's much easier to keep that can of worms out of sight. Plus, in the interest of storytelling, you often don't want to open up "threads" in a story that don't support the main plot. I've noticed this is especially true for children's books. They have to have a happy ending. (I mean, who wants to read a kids book that leaves the kid depressed about history?) Of course, because of this, many kids grow up thinking that "problems" like racism are things that were solved in the past. And that's because those problems were solved in the books that have been read to them, or that they've read. (This is based on my experience reading many hundreds of books to my kids.) Anyways, that's a bit of a tangent.

smcl 3y ago
Honestly I'm with you on everything you have said in this thread. I was dancing around it because I didn't want to be too accusatory, but I might as well say that what I meant is that if someone's writing little "oo what if we were eating hippos" pieces and the like, I would understand if they didn't want to become a victim of targeted hatred from the weird MAGA guys who can easily get set off by smaller things like this. It may sound silly but they can be dedicated, persistent and creative so if someone figures "it's not worth it for the $x00 I'm getting" then fine. Note: not accusing anyone in this thread of anything like that, it’s pretty cordial as far as I can tell even if I disagree with some