Intelligence Squared How Should the British Empire be Remembered?
Jun 9, 2023
Join renowned journalist Sathnam Sanghera, known for his keen insights on British identity, as he engages in a rich dialogue about the complexities of the British Empire. Highlighting the often overlooked narratives of patriotism, he advocates for a more inclusive historical education. Sanghera, along with fellow journalist Kavita Puri, delves into the challenges historians of color face today, the impact of the 1948 Nationality Act on the Windrush generation, and how contemporary views on the empire shape younger generations' understanding of identity and belonging.
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Late Empire Education
- Sathnam Sanghera didn't learn about the British Empire's basics until his 40s.
- He realized that Britain's multiculturalism stems from its multicultural empire, contradicting the narrative of uninvited immigrants.
Empire's Impact on British History
- Understanding Britain's imperial history is crucial for everyone, not just those of color.
- Many historical narratives, like World Wars and Tudor history, have unacknowledged imperial elements.
Systematic Erasure of History
- Britain actively erased imperial history, burning documents and destroying evidence.
- This systematic erasure contributes to historical amnesia around the empire.
