History is the fruit of power, but power itself is never so transparent that its analysis becomes superfluous. The ultimate mark of power may be its invisibility; the ultimate challenge, the exposition of its roots.
Michel-Rolph TrouillotRead
The silencing of the Haitian Revolution is only a chapter within a narrative of global domination. It is part of the history of the West and it is likely to persist, even in attenuated form, as long as the history of the West is not retold in ways that bring forward the perspective of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing marginalized histories within the broader narrative of global power dynamics.
Michel-Rolph Trouillot's quote highlights that the Haitian Revolution is often overlooked in historical narratives that tend to center Western experiences. He argues that this silencing is a continuation of a pattern of global domination, and emphasizes the need to retell history from diverse perspectives to acknowledge the important contributions and struggles of marginalized groups.
Themes
Haitian RevolutionHistoryGlobal DominationMarginalizedPerspectiveWest
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a lecture about post-colonial studies.
More from Michel-Rolph Trouillot
All quotes →Similar quotes
Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.
Abraham LincolnRead
It is a fair summary of history to say that the safeguards of liberty have been forged in controversies involving not very nice people.
Felix FrankfurterRead
When historians consider the significance of the Berlin crises of the mid-20th century, I do not believe that they will record it as an incident in the encirclement of freedom. The true view, in my judgment, will be to see it rather as a major episode in the recession of communism.
Robert KennedyRead
What distinguishes the historian from the collector of historical facts is generalization.
Edward Hallett CarrRead
The history of exploration across nations and across time is not one where nations said, 'Let's explore because it's fun.' It was, 'Let's explore so that we can claim lands for our country, so that we can open up new trade routes; let's explore so we can become more powerful.'
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
The Holocaust is a sacred subject. One should take off one's shoes when entering its domain, one should tremble each time one pronounces the word.
Elie WieselRead