History

Should historical books and records be changed if they contain offensive language?

For

Updating them prevents spreading harmful ideas.

Against

Changing them hides the reality of history.

Anonymous excerpts, translated where noted.

For

  • Seems like a scenario where censoring/editing it is valid and doesn’t really hurt the plot or historical context.
    RedditOriginal language: English
  • If the author wishes to change it, then it’s acceptable as a rewrite.
    RedditOriginal language: English

Against

  • Don’t change the text, use the tools we have used for centuries to give context to the author’s words.
    RedditOriginal language: English
  • History, no matter how offensive it is must never be whitewashed.
    RedditOriginal language: English
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