Silencing the Past

1. History is a Dialogue Between Past and Present, Shaped by Power

History is the fruit of power, but power itself is never so transparent that its analysis becomes superfluous.

History's Dual Nature. History is not merely a recounting of past events but a dynamic interplay between what happened and how it is narrated. This duality acknowledges that history is both a social process and a constructed narrative, each influencing the other. The very word "history" embodies this ambiguity, referring both to the events themselves and the stories we tell about them.

Power Dynamics. The production of historical narratives is never neutral; it is shaped by power dynamics. Unequal access to resources, influence, and platforms means that some voices are amplified while others are silenced. This power shapes what is remembered, how it is remembered, and who gets to do the remembering.

Invisibility of Power. The most potent form of power is often its invisibility. By examining the silences and omissions in historical accounts, we can begin to uncover the ways in which power operates to shape our understanding of the past. This requires a critical approach that questions dominant narratives and seeks out alternative perspectives.

2. Historical Narratives Involve Uneven Contributions and Silences

The forces I will expose are less visible than gunfire, class property, or political crusades. I want to argue that they are no less powerful.

Unequal Access. The creation of historical narratives is not a level playing field. Different groups and individuals have varying degrees of access to the means of historical production, including sources, archives, and platforms for dissemination. This unequal access leads to an uneven contribution to the historical record.

Active Silencing. Silences in history are not accidental omissions but active processes. Some events are deliberately suppressed, marginalized, or reinterpreted to fit dominant narratives. This silencing can occur at various stages of historical production, from the creation of sources to the writing of historical accounts.

Challenging Dominant Narratives. By recognizing the role of power and the presence of silences, we can challenge dominant historical narratives and create more inclusive and nuanced accounts of the past. This involves seeking out alternative sources, amplifying marginalized voices, and critically examining the assumptions and biases that shape our understanding of history.

3. Positivism and Constructivism Offer Incomplete Views of History

We are never as steeped in history as when we pretend not to be, but if we stop pretending we may gain in understanding what we lose in false innocence.

Positivism's Limitations. Positivism, with its emphasis on objectivity and the separation of historical fact from interpretation, fails to account for the role of power and perspective in shaping historical narratives. It assumes that the historian can neutrally uncover the truth about the past, ignoring the ways in which their own biases and assumptions influence their work.

Constructivism's Shortcomings. Constructivism, on the other hand, emphasizes the subjective nature of historical narratives, arguing that history is merely a story constructed by those in power. While it acknowledges the role of interpretation, it often denies the autonomy of the sociohistorical process, reducing history to a form of fiction.

A Balanced Approach. A more nuanced approach recognizes both the objective and subjective dimensions of history. It acknowledges that historical narratives are shaped by power and perspective but also that they are constrained by the material realities of the past. This approach seeks to understand how power operates to shape historical narratives without denying the existence of a historical reality.

4. Historical Production Occurs Across Multiple Sites, Not Just Academia

We are all amateur historians with various degrees of awareness about our production. We also learn history from similar amateurs.

Beyond the Ivory Tower. Historical production is not confined to academic institutions. It occurs in a variety of sites, including museums, monuments, popular culture, and everyday conversations. These sites shape public understanding of the past and influence the work of professional historians.

The Role of Amateurs. Amateur historians, activists, and community members play a crucial role in shaping historical narratives. They bring different perspectives, experiences, and agendas to the table, challenging dominant interpretations and pushing for more inclusive and representative accounts of the past.

Interactions and Influences. Academic history interacts with the history produced outside of universities. The thematic awareness of history is not activated only by recognized academics. The views learned through celebrations, site visits, movies, national holidays, and primary school books are sustained, modified, or challenged by scholars involved in primary research.

5. Silences in History Occur at Four Crucial Moments

Silences enter the process of historical production at four crucial moments: the moment of fact creation (the making of sources); the moment of fact assembly (the making of archives); the moment of fact retrieval (the making of narratives); and the moment of retrospective significance (the making of history in the final instance).

Fact Creation. The making of sources is never neutral. Some occurrences are noted, others are not. Some leave physical markers, others do not. This initial selection process shapes the raw material from which historical narratives are constructed.

Fact Assembly. Archives are not passive repositories of information but active agents in shaping historical narratives. They select, organize, and categorize sources, determining which facts are deemed relevant and worthy of preservation.

Fact Retrieval. Even when facts are available, they are not always retrieved or given equal weight in historical accounts. Some events are emphasized, while others are marginalized or ignored, shaping the overall narrative.

Retrospective Significance. The final moment of historical production involves assigning meaning and significance to past events. This process is shaped by present-day concerns, values, and power dynamics, influencing how the past is understood and remembered.

6. The Haitian Revolution: An Unthinkable Event Silenced by Western Historiography

The Haitian Revolution thus entered history with the peculiar characteristic of being unthinkable even as it happened.

Challenging Western Thought. The Haitian Revolution, a slave revolt that led to the establishment of an independent black republic, challenged the fundamental assumptions of Western thought regarding race, slavery, and colonialism. It was an event that many contemporaries found impossible to comprehend or accept.

Erasure and Trivialization. Western historiography has often silenced the Haitian Revolution through erasure and trivialization. General histories often omit or downplay its significance, while specialized studies may focus on its internal dynamics while ignoring its broader implications.

The Power of the Unthinkable. The silencing of the Haitian Revolution reveals the power of dominant ideologies to shape our understanding of the past. By challenging the very framework within which history is written, the Haitian Revolution remains a potent reminder of the limits of Western thought.

7. The Three Faces of Sans Souci: A Microcosm of Historical Production

Almost every mention of Sans Souci, the palace, the very resilience of the physical structure itself, effectively silences Sans Souci, the man, his political goals, his military genius.

Sans Souci-Potsdam. Frederick the Great's palace, a symbol of European Enlightenment, stands as a tangible reminder of a powerful ruler and his legacy. Its continued existence and maintenance ensure its place in history.

Sans Souci-Milot. The ruins of Henry Christophe's palace in Haiti, a testament to black ingenuity and ambition, represent a more fragile and contested history. Its partial destruction and neglect reflect the marginalization of Haitian history in the broader historical narrative.

Sans Souci-The Man. Colonel Jean-Baptiste Sans Souci, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution, has been largely erased from historical memory. His story, overshadowed by the more prominent figures of Toussaint Louverture and Henry Christophe, reveals the silences and omissions that shape our understanding of the past.

8. Columbus: A Contested Figure in a Narrative of Global Domination

The West does not exist. I know. I’ve been there.

The Myth of Discovery. The traditional narrative of Columbus's "discovery" of America is a Eurocentric myth that obscures the violence, exploitation, and cultural destruction that accompanied European colonization. It presents a one-sided view of history, ignoring the perspectives and experiences of indigenous peoples.

Competing Appropriations. Columbus has been appropriated by various groups and nations for different purposes. Spain has used him to promote its cultural influence, while the United States has used him to celebrate its own expansion and dominance. Latin American countries have grappled with his legacy, torn between celebrating their Spanish heritage and acknowledging the suffering of indigenous populations.

Deconstructing the Narrative. By deconstructing the traditional narrative of Columbus, we can begin to understand the ways in which history is used to legitimize power and privilege. This involves challenging Eurocentric perspectives, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating more inclusive and representative accounts of the past.

9. Authenticity in History Resides in the Present, Not the Past

Authenticity implies a relation with what is known that duplicates the two sides of historicity: it engages us both as actors and narrators.

Beyond Empirical Exactitude. While empirical accuracy is essential, it is not sufficient for creating authentic historical representations. Authenticity requires a connection to the present, a recognition of the ways in which the past continues to shape our lives and our world.

Engaging with the Present. Authentic historical representations engage us as both actors and narrators. They challenge us to confront the legacies of the past in the present and to take action to address ongoing injustices.

The Purpose of History. The meaning of history lies not only in understanding the past but also in using that understanding to create a better future. By connecting the past to the present, we can make history a tool for social change and transformation.

Last updated: February 25, 2025