Truth Concisely Stated
When a person is weak, their silence is often perceived as a deficiency in opinion, their assertiveness as emotional excess, and their politeness as subservient compliance. In contrast, when a person is strong, the same qualities are interpreted differently: silence is seen as thoughtful deliberation, assertiveness as courage, and politeness as a sign of refined upbringing. The judgment cast upon a person often hinges not on their inherent qualities, but rather on their existing status or power.
In a similar vein, a nation's power often garners respect through the opportunities it offers, thanks to a thriving economy, and through the compelling narratives of its culture, history, and values, shaped by developed media and pop culture industries. This leads to a provocative thought: why not focus on becoming powerful first, by any means necessary, and then work on reshaping one's image later? The painful memories of those who endure atrocities fade with time, and within a century, such horrors often recede into the annals of history. Many atrocities remain unknown or unacknowledged, and maintaining collective memory, no matter how traumatic, requires significant effort.
When the past is raised in conversation, objections are often voiced:
“Why dwell on the past when we can look to the future?”
“Isn’t it time to move on?”
“Every nation has its dark history. Look at how prosperous and clean this nation is now!”
This perspective becomes especially stark when nations still striving for development attempt to grow their economies. Nations that have long since moved past their own histories of colonization, warfare, and enslavement are quick to criticize:
“Why are you destroying your environment for economic gain? Your actions threaten the global good!”
“Why haven’t you adopted a democratic system? Failure to do so is a violation of human rights!”
These developing countries, which are not perpetrating global crises but are merely seeking to improve their condition through tailored policies suited to their unique circumstances, often incur the ire of more powerful nations. This resentment fuels a renewed sense of moral superiority in these powerful nations, as they once again assert their dominance over what they perceive to be less advanced civilizations.
In a similar vein, a nation's power often garners respect through the opportunities it offers, thanks to a thriving economy, and through the compelling narratives of its culture, history, and values, shaped by developed media and pop culture industries. This leads to a provocative thought: why not focus on becoming powerful first, by any means necessary, and then work on reshaping one's image later? The painful memories of those who endure atrocities fade with time, and within a century, such horrors often recede into the annals of history. Many atrocities remain unknown or unacknowledged, and maintaining collective memory, no matter how traumatic, requires significant effort.
When the past is raised in conversation, objections are often voiced:
“Why dwell on the past when we can look to the future?”
“Isn’t it time to move on?”
“Every nation has its dark history. Look at how prosperous and clean this nation is now!”
This perspective becomes especially stark when nations still striving for development attempt to grow their economies. Nations that have long since moved past their own histories of colonization, warfare, and enslavement are quick to criticize:
“Why are you destroying your environment for economic gain? Your actions threaten the global good!”
“Why haven’t you adopted a democratic system? Failure to do so is a violation of human rights!”
These developing countries, which are not perpetrating global crises but are merely seeking to improve their condition through tailored policies suited to their unique circumstances, often incur the ire of more powerful nations. This resentment fuels a renewed sense of moral superiority in these powerful nations, as they once again assert their dominance over what they perceive to be less advanced civilizations.
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