Country Quote by Arundhati Roy
“We're supposed to forget whatever happened in the past because 9/11 is where history begins. Okay, since 2001, how many wars have been started, how many countries have been destroyed? So now ISIS is the new evil - but how did that evil begin? Is it more evil to do what ISIS is doing, which is to go around massacring people - mainly, but not only, Shi'a - slitting throats? By the way, the US-backed militias are doing similar things, except they don't show beheadings of white folks on TV.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Long War” in The Guardian, 2015
She critiques the selective memory of history that ignores ongoing conflicts and moral complexities.
In simple terms: History isn’t only after 9/11; wars continue.
Key Takeaway
Question narratives and recognize hidden injustices.
Themes
history
war
media bias
ethical responsibility
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- journalism
- policy analysis
- human rights advocacy
- education curricula
Key Concepts
political theory
propaganda
moral relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- What narratives shape our view of recent wars?
- How can we responsibly confront uncomfortable histories?
A Different Perspective
Complex geopolitics can’t be reduced to simple good‑vs‑evil.
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