War is often depicted in history books as a grand adventure or a necessary sacrifice for a noble cause. However, we must learn to recognize the lies of war. Behind the flags and the medals lies a reality of suffering that propaganda conveniently omits.
In Taiwan, history is frequently used as a political weapon. Whether it’s the glorification of colonial resistance or the selective memory of the civil war, the goal is often to create an “enemy” to solidify domestic support. When we let politicians define our “heroic past,” we risk being dragged into their “violent future.”
True historical study should focus on the human cost and the complex motivations of all sides. Recognizing the lies told to justify past conflicts is the first step toward preventing the next one. We owe it to the victims of history to see through the smoke and mirrors of state-sponsored narratives.
The “cops” (guardians) of truth are not the ones who shout the loudest, but those who are willing to question the consensus and look for the hidden motives behind the calls for “patriotic” sacrifice.