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November 30, 2004

Writing of History

You have heard the expression "History is written by winners" I am sure (I like the Jon Stewart show twist on that: "how do you like to read a history-book written by a bunch of losers?":)).

Anyway, I think this statement is not very accurate. History is not written by the winners, it is written by the people who know how to write! Might sound silly, might even sound like a pun, but it is the truth!

All those "Barbarians" who attacked Europe in the Antique times and Middle Ages were winners: they won the battles, and they even won the long term struggles (Bulgarians successfully captured and kept the land from the Byzantines). However, history was written by the loser in the war! So, I want to request an official abandoning of this expression in favour of the truth! History is written by those who can write and is read by those who can read what was written (I admit, it is not as catchy, but so what! If you repeat it enough times, it will eventually catch on: it's hard work...).

Now, my point from this seemingly pointless suggestion is to provide a background for my analysis of the current blockbuster (what the hell does that term suppose to mean) Alexander. Of course, we all realise that following the glowing success of Troy and its accurare (sic.) portrayal of the famous epic, people are not going to take the Hollywood depiction of history very seriously, but we still need to have some consideration for history, don't we?

So, stay tuned (!!) for the Alexander bash, coming up after these messeges from our sponsors...[Your add here!]

Posted by Khodadad at November 30, 2004 01:05 AM

Comments

You'd be surprised how many average Joes take the rendition of history by Hollywood seriously without ever having done any research by themselves.

This is a good petition to sign and pass around:
http://persianblog.com/persiangulf.asp

Posted by: Jamak at December 1, 2004 06:41 AM

I have never thought about your take on who writes history, but it makes perfect sense.

I look forward to your review of the movie Alexander.

I have a thought about increasing your readership. I consider myself fortunate to have found some very interesting and intelligent people to communicate with, yourself included. :) Check out my list of links (those who you haven't met). If you write to them, I think that they would be happy to write to you. :)

Posted by: David at December 1, 2004 11:34 AM

Hmmm ... how about history is written by victors who can write?

Interesting point of view BTW.

Posted by: WhoMan at December 2, 2004 08:25 PM

Can't wait for the Alexander bashing to start.

Posted by: Jamak at December 3, 2004 08:45 AM