New word for the week: Presentism

I came across a new-to-me word that captures a social phenomenon that is infecting a lot of interactions and policies in current society.  The word is "presentism".  The minute I read it; I instinctively knew what it meant.  But rather than do the homework to craft my own definition, I asked ChatGPT to do it for me.  I think the bot did a nice job of defining it:

Presentism refers to the practice of interpreting or judging historical events, people, or ideas through the lens of present-day values, beliefs, and perspectives. It involves applying contemporary moral, cultural, or social standards to evaluate the past, often disregarding the historical context and the complexities of the time being examined.

Presentism can be problematic because it overlooks the historical, cultural, and social conditions that shaped people's actions and decisions in the past. It assumes that current beliefs and values are universal or superior to those held in the past, which can lead to a distorted understanding of historical events and figures.

By imposing present-day perspectives on the past, presentism may lead to misinterpretations, unfair judgments, and a failure to grasp the complexities of different eras. It disregards the fact that societies and individuals change over time, and what may be considered unacceptable or morally wrong today may have been widely accepted or even considered morally right in the past.

Historians and scholars strive to avoid presentism by using primary sources, contextual analysis, and a thorough understanding of the historical period under study. They aim to understand events and people within their historical context, taking into account the prevailing beliefs, norms, and social conditions of the time.

Recognizing and avoiding presentism is important for developing a nuanced understanding of history, appreciating the diversity of human experiences across time, and avoiding the imposition of anachronistic judgments on historical figures or events. It allows for a more accurate and empathetic interpretation of the past, fostering a deeper appreciation for historical complexities and facilitating a more informed understanding of how societies and cultures evolve over time.

The bot warns of the flaws of presentism, and we see those flaws all over the state, across Northern California, and yes, in Burlingame.  Look no further than the mural in the main library--well, you can only see part of the mural because the original caption has been covered over by misguided presentists.  Now that we have a word for it, we can look for more examples and call them out for what they are.  Is "Berkeley" next?

Comments

[Peter Garrison]

I think some of the dangers of Presentism is that it is judgmental and filled with hubris.

Those who would erase the past may think that they could never be so blind or foolish as to make the mistakes that people in the past made.

In effect Presentism denies human nature with which we may always be disappointed.

Presentism itself is it a sign of such a flawed human nature.

The altered art work at the library is its fetish.

[Handle Bard]

The egos are strong with these ones.
They will learn much as they mature.
The learnings will be painful but necessary.
Reflection is not only from a mirror

Snarth Vader