Abraham Quote by Steve Erickson
“Half the country seceded from the other half when Abraham Lincoln was elected because half the country couldn't abide his position on slavery. You would think 150 years later this had all become pretty historically incontestable. Yet millions continue to contest it in the face of history. Rather the denial of slavery and all its monstrous repercussions defines to one twin America what the country is and means, and therein is the DNA of those "alternative facts" that people believe when they can't stand to believe the truth.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Historical analysis, 2010s
The passage suggests that despite clear historical evidence of slavery, many still deny it, using “alternative facts” to avoid uncomfortable truths.
In simple terms: People deny slavery despite evidence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront denial of history.
Themes
history
memory
truth
politics
alternative facts
Mood
reflective
skeptical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- media discourse
- public policy
Key Concepts
collective memory
denial
historical revisionism
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies cling to false narratives?
- What role does media play in shaping historical truth?
A Different Perspective
Denial can be fueled by identity politics and misinformation.
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