One of the latest trending convulsions of our troubled times is the girls and boys down at the “cancel culture” collective. They’ve spent the last few months in an orgy of indignation, replacing place names and knocking down statues. Their idea is – uh – I’m not really sure what their idea is, aside from the childish notion that if you don’t say it or see it, it will magically go away. (Nobody’s ever going to accuse the 21st century of being sophisticated!) However, in the short term, revisionist history is a pain in the ass, so responsible people need to find a way to safeguard the facts from these zealots. Simple solution? Clickbait! If we turn history into clickbait (the heroin of social media) not only will people get exposed to history without them even knowing it, but it will also preserve the truth until this modern day “Reign of Terror” burns itself out. Here are just a few examples to get the ball rolling. (And thanks so much to AJ for being the inspiration behind this post.)
1 — Disabled man brutally shot in front of his friends and co-workers.
Admiral Horatio Nelson dies at the Battle of Trafalgar — 1805
2 — Privileged British healthcare worker shuns traditional healing and medicine.
Dr. Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin — 1928
3 — Over 250 illegal immigrants killed by angry local militia.
The Battle of the Little Big Horn — 1876
4 — After years of frustration, displaced migrants lash out, topple statues and burn public buildings.
Barbarians destroy Rome – 410 A.D.
5 — Tyrannical leader announces a controversial wall to keep out illegal immigrants.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang builds The Great Wall of China – 221 B.C.
6 — After years of struggle, ridicule and even imprisonment, a man with mental health issues is finally accepted by society.
Adolf Hitler elected Chancellor of Germany — 1933
7 – Teenage girl who gained fame and a huge following when her activist message changed government policy, convicted of terrible crimes. Guilty or not? You decide!
Joan of Arc burned at the stake — 1431
8 — 95 reasons your parents’ religion sucks.
Martin Luther nails his Ninety-five Theses on the door of Wittenberg church – 1517
9 – Jaw-dropping evidence that an unemployed Italian sailor scammed millions out of a Spanish royal.
Queen Isabella finances Christopher Columbus’ voyage to America – 1492
10 – Charismatic leader caught in sex romp with steamy Middle Eastern beauty. Senate takes decisive action to remove him from office. Read the startling details.
Julius Caesar assassinated – 44 B.C.
11 — Photographic evidence of a strange “craft” in the skies over North Carolina. You won’t believe your eyes!
Wright brothers fly the first airplane at Kitty Hawk – 1903
12 – 56 wealthy landowners, businessmen and lawyers who used their influence to manipulate the government and get massive tax breaks. You’ll never guess who’s on the list?
American delegates sign the Declaration of Independence — 1776
13 — US military man ruins pristine wilderness. Experts say damage could last 1,000 years!
Neil Armstrong steps on the Moon – 1969
14 — Disturbing play glorifies teen suicide. You won’t be able to hold back the tears.
Shakespeare writes Romeo and Juliet — 1595
15 — Sex worker dies in prison. You won’t believe her shocking ordeal.
French execute Mata Hari for spying – 1917
16 — New technology destroys ancient storytelling industry. Folklore threatened! Thousands of jobs lost.
Johannes Gutenberg invents moveable type – 1450
17 — In a tirade of hate, an elderly man threatens violence against home invaders.
Churchill’s “We will fight on the beaches” speech – 1940
18 — Corrupt leader admits he used public funds to buy an extravagant gift for his wife. Refuses to apologize!
Shah Jahan builds the Taj Mahal – 1643
19 — Radical religious cult denounces modern society, defying local authorities to open a well-armed wilderness “colony” on private property.
The Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock – 1620
But I think my favourite is:
20 – College students across the country take action to remove offensive material from their campuses.
Nazi youth groups burn thousands of books at several German universities – 1933
WD Fyfe 