Communist Terror The Evil Truths Schools DON'T Teach Our Children. James Bartholomew
Nov 17, 2024
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James Bartholomew, a journalist and author deeply versed in the history of totalitarianism, discusses the overlooked horrors of communist regimes, emphasizing the chilling events from Soviet terror to the Gulag's grim legacy. He highlights the man-made famine of the Holodomor and the brutal realities faced by millions under Stalin. With a call for more comprehensive education on these atrocities, he urges society to remember and educate future generations about the dark chapters of history often omitted from school curricula.
The podcast emphasizes the horrific realities of Soviet terror from 1917 to 1953, highlighting the immense suffering and oppression experienced by millions.
It underscores the urgent need for educational reform to include comprehensive lessons on totalitarianism's atrocities, ensuring future generations are informed.
Deep dives
The Horrors of Soviet Terror
The discussion focuses on the extensive horrors of Soviet terror from 1917 to 1953, emphasizing the profound suffering experienced by ordinary people during this period. For instance, it is noted that during this time, approximately 18 million individuals were sent to the Gulag, and around 786,000 political prisoners were executed between 1934 and 1953. The harrowing details of mass arrests, midnight deportations, and the brutal living conditions in transit highlight the inhumanity faced by those caught in the Soviet regime's grip. This important historical scope sheds light on the devastating effects of totalitarianism on individual lives and societies.
Lack of Historical Awareness
There is a prevailing lack of awareness among younger generations regarding the ramifications of Soviet totalitarianism, with education often focusing solely on the Russian Revolution but neglecting the ensuing years of oppression. The conversation underscores how the suffering of countless individuals during the subsequent decades is not adequately addressed in school curricula, resulting in a significant knowledge gap. Specific statistics, such as the millions of deported individuals from countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Hungary, serve to illustrate the widespread impact of Soviet control. This deficit in historical education calls for efforts to ensure that these critical lessons are passed on.
Complexities of Totalitarianism
The discussion highlights the intricate nature of totalitarian regimes, emphasizing how oppression is often implemented gradually to avoid immediate revolt. Young people and intellectuals may not understand the systematic approach of regimes like the Nazis and Soviets, where repression escalates slowly over time. Detailed examples, such as the targeted elimination of elite figures in occupied Poland and the manipulation of rural communities against wealthier peasants, demonstrate the calculated tactics used to maintain control and instill fear. This cyclical pattern of division and domination illustrates the psychological warfare at play in totalitarian societies.
The Foundation's Mission
The purpose of the Foundation for the History of Totalitarianism is emphasized through discussions about raising awareness and educating the public regarding the historical atrocities committed under various regimes, including Nazism and communism. The foundation engages in initiatives such as essay competitions for students and educational programs aimed at ensuring the history of totalitarianism is accurately represented in schools. Furthermore, financial support for the foundation is solicited to facilitate the production of educational materials and outreach efforts. This ongoing work underscores the vital importance of remembering and learning from past horrors to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
On today's #NCFWhittle we are joined by journalist and author James Bartholomew of the Museum of Communist Terror and the Foundation for the History of Totalitarianism. He discusses the horrific truths of communist crimes and why these aren't being taught to our children, who instead learn only about the horrors of fascism.
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