Afua Hirsch explores if Britain can be honest about its history and what that means for the legacy of our greatest heroes. All countries have an official version of their history. It is a story built around grand achievements, victories and successes. However, around the world people are now challenging this by raising, often ignored, uncomfortable truths such as involvement with slavery, racism or colonialism. This is history at its most heated - people have been killed in protests in the US. Now the debate has come to Britain and in this programme Journalist Afua Hirsch explores why people get so upset when she raises what to her are simple facts of our past. Afua Hirsch FRSL (born 1981) is a British writer and broadcaster. She has worked as a journalist for The Guardian newspaper, and was the Social Affairs and Education Editor for Sky News from 2014 until 2017. She is the author of the 2018 book Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging.
The reason "people get upset" is because she's of a foreign background and comes into someone else's country and badmouths it. Is it really that hard to understand? If she doesn't like Britain she can leave. My father is an immigrant and would never dream of crapping on a country that gave him so many opportunities
I’m happy to talk about Britain’s past in the trans atlantic slave trade. Why is nobody happy to talk about the current day slavery happening in Africa & the Middle East ?
@@ORIGINOLINDIVIDUAL Both historical and modern issues deserve attention,and let's not use one to dismiss the other. This happens to be a documentary on Britain’s history. We have many more on many topics across our channels.
@@FreeDocumentaryHistory I’m not dismissing anything, I said I’m happy to talk about it. Yes we participated in the slave trade. I’m yet to see a video about modern day slavery happening or the fact that 35.3% of all slaves from the Atlantic Slave trade went to Brazil.
It’s absolutely valid to talk about slavery that exists today in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world-modern slavery is a horrific reality that demands our attention and action. However, when this topic is brought up in conversations about the historical role of Europeans in the transatlantic slave trade, it’s often used as a way to sidestep accountability for the systems of oppression and racial hierarchies that slavery created and that continue to benefit certain groups today. Here’s why we must center the discussion on the European role in slavery when addressing historical accountability: 1. A Legacy of Systems: The transatlantic slave trade was not just a historical event-it created the racial hierarchies, capitalist exploitation, and colonial systems that still shape our world today. To dismiss that history in favor of a broader focus on current slavery risks erasing the accountability necessary to dismantle these structures. 2. Modern Slavery Is Also Tied to Colonial Exploitation: Many forms of modern slavery in Africa and Asia are deeply connected to the legacies of colonialism and imperialism. European powers extracted resources, disrupted economies, and imposed systems of exploitation that laid the groundwork for today’s global inequities. 3. Centering Accountability Where It Belongs: Conversations about European involvement in slavery are not just about the past-they’re about understanding how those systems of violence continue to impact marginalized communities. To shift focus to modern slavery without addressing the foundation of these systems feels like an attempt to evade responsibility rather than confront it. 4. Capacity for Multidimensional Conversations: Talking about the role of Europeans in historical slavery does not negate the ability to address modern slavery. In fact, acknowledging history gives us the tools to better understand and combat the systems that perpetuate exploitation today. So yes, let’s talk about modern slavery-let’s hold exploitative corporations and corrupt governments accountable. But let’s not use that as a shield to avoid confronting the role Europe played in creating the systems of dehumanization and exploitation that have shaped our world. If we’re serious about justice, we must address both the roots of the problem and its ongoing manifestations.
@ORIGINOLINDIVIDUAL You really didn't need to re-exert your ideological driven narrative here,we all get it! Slavery is thousands of years old, and the West abolished it. The End! If it is starting back up, then that's where the conversation should be!
Perhaps you should do a documentary on the history of the slave trade going back 1000's of years and you would see that at one time almost all of us are descended from individuals that were once slaves in one way or another. You might also research the African slave trade as to who was gathering the slaves in Africa and then selling them to slavers for export. You can't undo what was done and erasing history won't change it.
I agree. Imagine what people would say about our generation in a few hundred years. We should be proud of how much we changed, not ashamed of who we were. That being said, I don't think that it's an excuse to talk only about the pleasant bits of history. There are lessons to be learned from it all.
If we didn’t learn our history the good and bad side of it, we will never learn in the future. This is exactly why colonisation and slavery still exists today.
I hate woke as much as anyone but just because history is written from one point of view it doesn't mean other views aren't valid or that unwritten things didn't happen. And yes, I hope woke is on it's way out too.
Tribes in Africa also practiced slavery and this is a global issue till today, everywhere. Slavery has many different forms and shapes…pls note. Anyone dependant on anyone or anything can be considered as a slave. Mental slavery is another term to consider. These things can happen at home, nation wide or race wide - important to add.
such small-mindedness in the comments. it is clear throughout that Hirsch is calling for a more realistic representation of Britain's history. the general public know very well about the heroic and glorious victories because history is written by the victors, but is it not important too to learn how we can grow beyond our heroes limits? people want to 'make Britain great again' but refuse to pioneer any greatness by pushing forwards, rather than stepping back...
The comments are kind of funny, to be honest. All arguments pretty much end at "I'm right, you're wrong". I think that everyone could use a little modesty.
@@FreeDocumentaryHistory Believe me, I didn't watch the whole thing - my involuntary gastrointestinal reflexes wouldn't have allowed it. The so called "host" injected her opinion of contempt several times when she was confronted by facts stated objectively by actual historians that conflicted with her preconceived narrative of DEI. So if the "host" is allowed to inject contempt into the narrative, then so am I. And don't get me going on her childish and amateurish presentism attitude towards historical figures. She is neither a journalist nor someone interested in historical truth.
@ I find it more helpful to engage in discussions with respect and an open mind. Critiquing someone's presentation style or opinions is valid, but resorting to personal attacks detracts from the conversation. History is complex, and differing interpretations can enrich our understanding rather than diminish it.
Lemme get this straight: you don’t like the channel but explicitly seek it out, take the time to comment on things you don’t want to watch? That’s just weird. And kinda psychotic.
@ No, it’s always in the list of options on my UA-cam and I always scroll past. Don’t know why it’s recommended to me 🤷♂️ I’ll leave it to the algorithm experts to work that out. For the first time ever I thought that I’d bite, and immediately regretted it. Globalists hate nations, to them we are individual selling points with no power. Any other identity is a threat to their profit making. Channel’s like this are psyops to promote isolation. Happy New Year, 🥳
@ why you always making excuses for yourself? Own it. Own your history. Then and only then are you allowed to get upset and outraged by other injustices. Stop blaming everyone and every crazy conspiracy theory you guys come up with. Own it.
Afua Hirsch explores if Britain can be honest about its history and what that means for the legacy of our greatest heroes. All countries have an official version of their history. It is a story built around grand achievements, victories and successes. However, around the world people are now challenging this by raising, often ignored, uncomfortable truths such as involvement with slavery, racism or colonialism. This is history at its most heated - people have been killed in protests in the US. Now the debate has come to Britain and in this programme Journalist Afua Hirsch explores why people get so upset when she raises what to her are simple facts of our past.
Afua Hirsch FRSL (born 1981) is a British writer and broadcaster. She has worked as a journalist for The Guardian newspaper, and was the Social Affairs and Education Editor for Sky News from 2014 until 2017. She is the author of the 2018 book Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging.
The reason "people get upset" is because she's of a foreign background and comes into someone else's country and badmouths it. Is it really that hard to understand? If she doesn't like Britain she can leave. My father is an immigrant and would never dream of crapping on a country that gave him so many opportunities
I’m happy to talk about Britain’s past in the trans atlantic slave trade. Why is nobody happy to talk about the current day slavery happening in Africa & the Middle East ?
@@ORIGINOLINDIVIDUAL Both historical and modern issues deserve attention,and let's not use one to dismiss the other. This happens to be a documentary on Britain’s history. We have many more on many topics across our channels.
Because it's not convenient to the modern day narrative!
@@FreeDocumentaryHistory I’m not dismissing anything, I said I’m happy to talk about it. Yes we participated in the slave trade. I’m yet to see a video about modern day slavery happening or the fact that 35.3% of all slaves from the Atlantic Slave trade went to Brazil.
It’s absolutely valid to talk about slavery that exists today in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world-modern slavery is a horrific reality that demands our attention and action. However, when this topic is brought up in conversations about the historical role of Europeans in the transatlantic slave trade, it’s often used as a way to sidestep accountability for the systems of oppression and racial hierarchies that slavery created and that continue to benefit certain groups today.
Here’s why we must center the discussion on the European role in slavery when addressing historical accountability:
1. A Legacy of Systems: The transatlantic slave trade was not just a historical event-it created the racial hierarchies, capitalist exploitation, and colonial systems that still shape our world today. To dismiss that history in favor of a broader focus on current slavery risks erasing the accountability necessary to dismantle these structures.
2. Modern Slavery Is Also Tied to Colonial Exploitation: Many forms of modern slavery in Africa and Asia are deeply connected to the legacies of colonialism and imperialism. European powers extracted resources, disrupted economies, and imposed systems of exploitation that laid the groundwork for today’s global inequities.
3. Centering Accountability Where It Belongs: Conversations about European involvement in slavery are not just about the past-they’re about understanding how those systems of violence continue to impact marginalized communities. To shift focus to modern slavery without addressing the foundation of these systems feels like an attempt to evade responsibility rather than confront it.
4. Capacity for Multidimensional Conversations: Talking about the role of Europeans in historical slavery does not negate the ability to address modern slavery. In fact, acknowledging history gives us the tools to better understand and combat the systems that perpetuate exploitation today.
So yes, let’s talk about modern slavery-let’s hold exploitative corporations and corrupt governments accountable. But let’s not use that as a shield to avoid confronting the role Europe played in creating the systems of dehumanization and exploitation that have shaped our world. If we’re serious about justice, we must address both the roots of the problem and its ongoing manifestations.
@ORIGINOLINDIVIDUAL You really didn't need to re-exert your ideological driven narrative here,we all get it!
Slavery is thousands of years old, and the West abolished it.
The End!
If it is starting back up, then that's where the conversation should be!
Ah yes, Afua Hirsch, who is offended by absolutely everything.
who had ships and could actually do it and who had .........
Wone two world wars??? I think not lady. If the Russians and America had not come to your rescue, you would have lost both wars.
@@wvvwwvwvv
“🤡Nelson would slap…🥴”
If he did he’d go straight to jail.
Udf.
Heck of a start for the New Year.
Drama! 🎉🎉
think for one moment, if only a moment. that if the whole world was all the same colour. Do you think that would of made a difference ? I think not!
Perhaps you should do a documentary on the history of the slave trade going back 1000's of years and you would see that at one time almost all of us are descended from individuals that were once slaves in one way or another. You might also research the African slave trade as to who was gathering the slaves in Africa and then selling them to slavers for export. You can't undo what was done and erasing history won't change it.
only one in history matters, get it ?
Don't be so W0KE, if you try and hide your past, the bad and the good, you just may repeat the bad. Keep ALL of your history alive and kicking.
Judging historical heroes by today's standards is meaningless and ridiculous.
well, the host
I agree. Imagine what people would say about our generation in a few hundred years. We should be proud of how much we changed, not ashamed of who we were.
That being said, I don't think that it's an excuse to talk only about the pleasant bits of history. There are lessons to be learned from it all.
If we didn’t learn our history the good and bad side of it, we will never learn in the future. This is exactly why colonisation and slavery still exists today.
Woke is on it's way out and you drop THIS video?? 😂😂 wow.
stir stir stir the pot, it never ends, ever.
I hate woke as much as anyone but just because history is written from one point of view it doesn't mean other views aren't valid or that unwritten things didn't happen. And yes, I hope woke is on it's way out too.
@@Bunbuns12345 is she uncovering new info or picking at an old scab ?
Woke is a loaded word. Discussions become deprived of nuance as soon as you use it.
Tribes in Africa also practiced slavery and this is a global issue till today, everywhere. Slavery has many different forms and shapes…pls note.
Anyone dependant on anyone or anything can be considered as a slave. Mental slavery is another term to consider. These things can happen at home, nation wide or race wide - important to add.
such small-mindedness in the comments. it is clear throughout that Hirsch is calling for a more realistic representation of Britain's history. the general public know very well about the heroic and glorious victories because history is written by the victors, but is it not important too to learn how we can grow beyond our heroes limits? people want to 'make Britain great again' but refuse to pioneer any greatness by pushing forwards, rather than stepping back...
🗣History is a myth shaped by the tongue🐍 of conquerors. 👑 ~Roshani Chokshi
I know just from the title this will be garbage.
The comments are kind of funny, to be honest. All arguments pretty much end at "I'm right, you're wrong".
I think that everyone could use a little modesty.
@@benoitbergeron8858 yes
That woman disgusts me.
@@willboudreau1187 If you don’t like her, don’t watch - there’s no need to get nasty about it.
@@FreeDocumentaryHistory Believe me, I didn't watch the whole thing - my involuntary gastrointestinal reflexes wouldn't have allowed it. The so called "host" injected her opinion of contempt several times when she was confronted by facts stated objectively by actual historians that conflicted with her preconceived narrative of DEI. So if the "host" is allowed to inject contempt into the narrative, then so am I. And don't get me going on her childish and amateurish presentism attitude towards historical figures. She is neither a journalist nor someone interested in historical truth.
@ I find it more helpful to engage in discussions with respect and an open mind. Critiquing someone's presentation style or opinions is valid, but resorting to personal attacks detracts from the conversation. History is complex, and differing interpretations can enrich our understanding rather than diminish it.
That’s why I never watch this globalist channel 🤷♂️.
Lemme get this straight: you don’t like the channel but explicitly seek it out, take the time to comment on things you don’t want to watch? That’s just weird. And kinda psychotic.
@ No, it’s always in the list of options on my UA-cam and I always scroll past. Don’t know why it’s recommended to me 🤷♂️ I’ll leave
it to the algorithm experts to work that out. For the first time ever I thought that I’d bite, and immediately regretted it.
Globalists hate nations, to them we are individual selling points with no power. Any other identity is a threat to their profit making. Channel’s like this are psyops to promote isolation.
Happy New Year, 🥳
@ why you always making excuses for yourself? Own it. Own your history. Then and only then are you allowed to get upset and outraged by other injustices. Stop blaming everyone and every crazy conspiracy theory you guys come up with. Own it.
@@mmax92able “Then and only then are you allowed to get upset by other injustices “ wow , who died and made you king 😂.
Clearly this video has an alternative motive to shame The Great British people! Shame on them! 😮
dude you don’t need anybody to shame the British people. You’re doing it all by yourself
and look at them now. So so sorry they've been over run with guilt, congrats.
This is a waste of time.What a bunch of garbage
If we continue, at some point whole architecture will have to be cleared from sculptures because of whatever reason…it’s to brutal or smth 😂
This woman is a joke. Unappreciated for the country and city she lives in today.
reminds me of a guy from 2008-2016
🎉first