Eurocentric History
See also: "Central Myths of Eurocentric History" on the Islamic WorldView Blog
Contemporary History is merely an expression of European Power. Re-writing history to include excluded voices and perspectives is essential to understanding the world we live in. There are THREE MAJOR AREAS of interest.
Revising European History to present a realistic understanding of the sources of European power, instead of the current self-glorifying narrative which is dominant. In particular, this involves replacing the idea of the White Man's Burden by a more realistic explanation of the reasons why Europe colonized the globe. [Countering Eurocentric Narratives]
Bringing in the contributions of other Civilizations to show that all have participated in the creation of human history -- it is not that all significant progress has been solely due to Europeans. This has been developed by Fernand Braudel -- Annales School of HIstory, and his student Immanuel Wallerstein - World Systems Theory, which adds Marxist touch. [Braudel-Wallerstein]
Providing Access to shining lights of Islamic History, to repair damage to self-confidence caused by the Eurocentric idea that all other civilizations were trapped in barbarism, darkness and superstitions until the light of reason first shone in Europe. Showing that the achievements of the Islamic Civilization on the Human Front have never been equalled, even now, in Europe.
Tolerance and Multiple Narratives - Why it is essential to listen to multiple narratives to appreciate 3 dimensional history, and to create tolerance.
The Myth of Objective History - History can never be objective.
The Marginalization of Morality - Eurocentric history celebrates the rise of the West and downplays a crucial element of this rise: the loss of morality
The Evolution of Secular Thought - How secular thought emerged in response to bloody European reliigous wars, and how it has become rigid and inflexible, after the abandonment of religion by Europe
The Creation of American History - How HISTORY is created to support desired narratives, and rides roughshod over facts.
Power/Knowledge: Short Articles on this Foucaldian Theme - Short newspaper articles on how our knowledge is shaped and distorted by dominant power
Countering Eurocentric Narratives - Articles which explain flaws in the Eurocentric ways of looking at the world -- Deconstruction of Eurocentric History
Contested History: The Discovery of the Americas - How same events can be portrayed as heroic or villianous, depending on where you stand
Alternative, Non-Eurocentric, World Views - Essential to overcoming inferiority complex generated by Eurocentric History