Historical thought can be censored in widely diverging political and historiographical contexts. Yet the problems of censorship, often thought to be obvious, are rarely studied.
Online censorship is designed to literally block an information and content to the mass audience. Take as an example, the May 13 Incident that left a scar in the hearts of Malaysian especially among the old generation. The day that haunted the nation for the past decades was yet unexplainable. The riots led to a declaration of a state of national emergency and suspension of Parliament by the Malaysian government, while the National Operations Council (NOC) as established to temporarily govern the country between 1969 and 1971. Yet 2009, marks the 40th anniversary of 13 May, 1969.
Till today, there was still no proper closure. The incident just vanished to the air as years passes by like the speed of lightning. The topic was left abandon and untouchable, creating curiosity among the young generation. Even trying searching in the net, is tough as not much information is allowed to be revealed. Other historical issues like the violence of Second World War, Adolf Hitler, Nazi are being censored online to avoid others to remembered the pain and remorse that have gone through.
Perhaps, times have changed that the young generation needs to be educated about the history of their ancestors to appreciate their present.
Been the ambassador of the next generation, what do you think?
Reference
Baets, Antoon (2002) Censorship of Historical Thoughts , The World Guide
The Star Online Official Website, May 13, 1969:Truth and reconciliation ,[Online] ,28 Feb 2009
URL: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/5/11/lifefocus/21181089&sec=lifefocus
Exactly! Im so agree with you. Japan is the biggest liar (even if I love Japan so much)they basically just censored 80% of their history because of all the ugly things they did in the past.I know that they just don't want the younger generation to feel ashame about their country, but you need to know your own country real history from other people's mouth in other country? That's just so pathetic.
ReplyDeleteyea..people need to know about their country's history..the government should not censor those history or even create another story that are totally different from the real history..it is ridiculous...people has the rights to know about it..anyway,thanks for the information..
ReplyDeleteGood post.
ReplyDeleteCensor more, make people more curious to find out the truth.
p.s: I did not realize is the 40th anniversary of the 513 incident. wow.