The Chinese government tightly controls how history is presented to its citizens, promoting a single narrative that supports its legitimacy. Many alternative perspectives, including significant historical testimonies, face censorship. Despite this repression, alternative historical narratives continue to exist.
Ian Johnson, a historian born in Canada, aims to provide access to these hidden histories through his online platform, The China Unofficial Archives. This initiative seeks to collect independent materials, including banned books and films, giving a voice to those who have recorded their experiences and views of China's history.
The archive serves both those inside China who cannot access these works and those in the global Chinese community who wish to learn about these narratives. By highlighting suppressed stories, Johnson hopes to bridge gaps in understanding Chinese history and promote a more comprehensive view of the past.
Difficult words
- censorship — Control over what can be seen or shared.
- narrative — A story or account of events.narratives
- legitimacy — The quality of being accepted as valid.
- perspectives — Different ways of looking at things.
- archive — A collection of important documents or records.
- suppressed — Kept from being seen or known.
- initiative — A plan or action to achieve something.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think historical narratives are important?
- How can alternative perspectives change our understanding of history?
- What role do online platforms play in sharing hidden histories?
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