History is usually seen as an important part of human life that should be taught to the young ones so they can understand our past and know why we do some of the things we do. However, despite how important history seems as a subject, we can't help but recognize its unwholeness, especially in regard to the fact that it's usually one-sided or written by the victor, and inasmuch as that is the case, it means it's just a view of some set of people and not the entire truth. Take, for instance, when we talk about the history of humans. You'll notice that the holy books, the Bible and the Quran, both try to narrate the tales of Adam and Eve, but when you take a critical look at them, they're so similar and yet so different at the same time, and that's to show that history isn't always completely accurate.
There are lots of history we've been flying around today that isn't entirely what it is, but then we've got no choice but to work with what is written down. I mean, take for instance if I'm a student and I'm being asked about a certain question related to history, even though I've got a different perspective of it, I've got to state it the way the majority sees it or as it's written for me to get a good grade, because at the end of the day, the opinions of those who existed during those eras count more than mine, who wasn't even there to witness history play out firsthand.
There are lots of misconceptions I've had about certain history, and even if I don't have the power to prove the majority of them, at least the case of the late leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, speaks volumes about the debasement of history and how it's been manipulated to suit the victor. Almost everyone, including the white men who orchestrated his downfall and assassination, can attest to the fact that Libya was a prosperous nation during Gaddafi's reign compared to what it is today now that the Western government has manipulated the people to rebel against their leader, which led to his death. Back then we saw lots of write-ups that showed Gaddafi as a bad and terrible man, but when you critically look at it today, you'll wonder if those were actually true or just written to push an agenda.
Sadly now that he's gone, Libya has become a shadow of itself, and everything he tried to fight against that led to his death is now the order of the day, which is major fighting against the Western world interfering in their country's resources and the like. I'm guessing he was a pain in the Western government's ass, and that's why they had to lie against him to get what they wanted. But I'm certain that with all that has happened before and after his death, everyone can see for a fact that, although history written by the Western media may paint Muammar Gaddafi badly,his legacy and impact on Libya live on and stay fresh in the memory of everyone who has witnessed life during and after Gaddafi's reign.
In the case of Muammar Gaddafi and his ordeals in Libya, I for one think the majority of what history has written down about him, especially in the Western media, is false, and people who lived during both periods can attest to this, and that's why I believe if you ask any Libyan today what sort of life they would prefer between what they have now and what they had during Gaddafi's reign, They'll without a doubt pick life during Gaddafi's reign. The majority of the Libyans who, through the false accusations and history laid down by the Western world, joined forces with them till Gaddafi was assassinated now regret their actions and wish they could turn back the hands of time.
I believe that the people of Libya have the ball in their court and would at any point in time rewrite their own history to what is right and not continue to let the West control the narrative in their soil. This has been the case in many African countries; the West just wants to take the wheel by making sure leaders who'll abide by their bidding are the ones who rule. Once you don't follow their agenda, they'll find a way of removing you, and I guess it's about time for most African nations to rewrite their history, because the independence we're given seems more like a facade, while they continue to make demands through the constitution they left behind.
All photos are taken and edited on canva.