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Slanted View of History From US Propaganda ToolBy: Lynne Z Date Posted: 2000-09-01 As an example, I give you their version of the Spanish American war. In a spot that starts, "The Year Was 1900", they talk about the Philippines. In their version of history, the Filipinos, led by Aguinaldo, stage an insurrection, which the US must bravely put down. The last time I checked, an insurrection was defined as a "rising up against established authority"; in other words, revolting against the rightful government. Actually, the Filipinos were engaged in a struggle for independence from colonial rule (sound familiar; The Patriot, anyone?) by the Spanish. They were fairly close to their goal when they were approached, through their leader, Aguinaldo, by representatives of the US. The United States promised to help them oust the Spaniards. They promised to leave the Filipinos alone after that. The Filipinos cautiously accepted. The US navy did, in fact destroy much of the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. However, during the peace talks between the US and Spain, Spain agreed to give the Philippines to the US. The US happily accepted, and the shaft was given to the hapless Filipinos. When the time came, they found that one colonial power had been replaced by another. Would you call that an "insurrection"? Same with the AFN portrayal of the Boxer rebellion. How dare those silly Chinese try to get rid of those nice Westerners who were running (ruining?) their country? As I was saying: Looking for accurate historical information? Don't look to AFN. |
   
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