TED Talks Daily Why colonialist stereotypes persist — and how to stop romanticizing history | Farish Ahmad-Noor
Jun 23, 2020
Historian Farish Ahmad-Noor, specializing in 19th-century colonial Southeast Asia, delves into how colonial stereotypes endure and shape modern views. He critiques the romanticized narratives of history that perpetuate past oppressions, stressing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to challenge these biases. Ahmad-Noor calls for Southeast Asians to engage in self-reflection regarding their identities and highlights the crucial role of diverse perspectives in reexamining history to foster a more nuanced understanding.
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Romanticized Colonialism
- Some people in post-colonial Asia romanticize the colonial past, viewing it as benevolent.
- This contradicts historical evidence of violence and oppression during that period.
Limits of History
- Historians can trace the origins of stereotypes but can't change people's minds.
- Farish Ahmad-Noor is drawn to psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy to understand persistent ideas.
Persistence of Ideas
- People rely on a limited set of unchallenged ideas, leading to persistent prejudices and biases.
- This explains the persistence of issues like misogyny, racism, and various phobias.