The Historian's Table: Epilogue – A Comprehensive Reflection on History and Identity

Released: November 26, 2024

Host: Charles Fournier

Introduction: Reflecting on the Journey

In the final episode of the first season titled "First Asians in the Americas: Epilogue", host Charles Fournier brings listeners full circle, revisiting the core concepts explored throughout the series. This episode serves as a culmination of discussions on the subjectivity of history, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the intricate relationship between historical narratives and personal identity.

Charles Fournier opens the episode by emphasizing the subjective nature of historical narratives:

"If we think of history as a photograph, the history we typically have access to often comes from a very narrow and specific lens." [00:51]

He encourages listeners to view history from multiple perspectives to achieve a more honest and empathetic understanding of the past.

Historical Subjectivity and the Value of Diverse Lenses

Fournier delves into the idea that historical photographs and records are inherently subjective, shaped by the perspectives of those who document them. Throughout the season, the podcast has highlighted how different lenses reveal varied aspects of historical events, moving beyond simplistic hero-villain dichotomies to portray humans in their full complexity.

Personal Histories and Identity Exploration

A significant portion of the epilogue focuses on the personal journeys of Diego Javier Luis and Julian Sapariti, co-contributors to the podcast. Their experiences underscore the interplay between personal identity and historical research.

Diego Javier Luis shares his poignant experience visiting his ancestral village in China:

"When I was there and I was standing on top of the old walls of the Intramuros, the Spanish section, looking out, all I saw was a golf course. And I was like, God damn it. Yeah, the colonialism worked." [06:37]

This visit starkly illustrates the transformation of historical sites and the erasure of vibrant communities, highlighting the impact of colonialism on cultural landscapes.

Julian Sapariti reflects on his trip to Vietnam, emphasizing the dissonance between historical significance and present-day reality:

"Going to a space that is historically charged for ancestors doesn't mean that it is charged for us in the present, because, again, the context and circumstances of that place have since changed." [08:18]

Both Diego and Julian emphasize the challenges of reconnecting with their heritage, navigating feelings of alienation, and striving for self-acceptance amidst complex cultural identities.

The Story of Chang and Ang Bunker: A Case Study in Honest History

A pivotal segment of the episode introduces the story of Chang and Ang Bunker, conjoined twins born in Siam (modern-day Thailand) who arrived in the Americas in the 1820s. Their narrative serves as a powerful example of the complexities inherent in historical figures.

Julian Sapariti narrates their journey:

"Chang and Ang Bunker, the Siamese twins... were brought to Massachusetts. They are so intrinsically American to the point where, when it's illegal for Asian folks to become citizens of the United States, or unprecedented, at least they are given the United States citizenship by the people around them because they're such a pillar of their community." [17:55]

Initially portrayed as pioneers overcoming adversity, the twins' story takes a dark turn as they become slave owners, aligning themselves with the Confederacy:

"They marry sisters, they have over a dozen kids between them, and they... own slaves. Some of their children go on to fight for slavery as part of the Confederate side of Civil War." [20:24]

Charles Fournier poses reflective questions to listeners:

"How do you feel about this story? What do you think of these brothers?" [19:05]

This narrative underscores the importance of viewing historical figures in their entirety, acknowledging both their admirable and reprehensible actions. It challenges listeners to embrace the gray areas of history, recognizing that individuals can embody both good and bad traits simultaneously.

Embracing Complexity: Honest History and Empathy

Fournier and his guests discuss the necessity of honest history, which entails acknowledging the multifaceted nature of historical events and personalities. Diego Javier Luis articulates this sentiment:

"The utility is humanism... It helps us see the world as it is rather than how we want it to be." [16:24]

By confronting uncomfortable truths and recognizing the inherent contradictions in history, listeners can cultivate a deeper empathy for diverse experiences and foster a more inclusive understanding of the past.

Julian Sapariti emphasizes the role of historians in challenging systemic erasures:

"The erasure comes from ignorance. Sometimes it's like systematic scrubbing. And I think that's the job of the historian to challenge that with whatever evidence you can find..." [14:39]

Self-Reckoning and Personal Growth Through History

A recurring theme is the parallel between honest historical inquiry and personal self-reflection. Fournier posits that:

"Our ability to reflect on our own identities and accept our own contradictions and complications correlates with our ability to view and accept the contradictions and complications of history." [11:15]

Both Diego and Julian candidly discuss their struggles with self-identity and perfectionism, highlighting the universal challenge of reconciling personal flaws with aspirations for authenticity.

Diego Javier Luis shares his vulnerability:

"I'm never going to be fully Chinese in many people's eyes, you know, and that's okay." [11:15]

This openness fosters a connection with listeners, illustrating that embracing one's imperfections is a vital step towards genuine self-understanding and empathy.

Conclusion: The Imperative of Honest Historical Narratives

As the episode draws to a close, Fournier reiterates the critical importance of diverse perspectives in historical scholarship:

"Too long history has come from a single perspective which has led to the loss of stories and histories, either purposefully or accidentally." [13:47]

By advocating for inclusive research and the acknowledgment of marginalized voices, the podcast underscores the transformative power of history in shaping societal values and individual identities.

Charles Fournier leaves listeners with a heartfelt call to action:

"Our ability to reflect on our own identities and accept our own contradictions and complications correlates with our ability to view and accept the contradictions and complications of history. Looking at ourselves honestly will help us look at history more honestly and with more empathy." [27:52]

This final message encapsulates the essence of "The Historian's Table", urging listeners to engage in continuous self-reckoning and to approach history with an open, empathetic mindset.

Final Remarks and Acknowledgments

In closing, Fournier credits the contributors and supporters of the podcast:

• Diego Javier Luis: Author of "The First Asians in the Americas"
• Julian Sapariti: Composer of original music [nonoboymusic.com]
• Seth Boggess: Mixing and mastering

Listeners are encouraged to share the series and leave reviews to help expand its reach.

Key Takeaways:

• Subjectivity in History: Recognizing that historical narratives are shaped by the perspectives of those who document them.

• Identity and Belonging: Exploring the complexities of personal and cultural identity through historical research and personal experiences.

• Honest History: Embracing the multifaceted nature of historical figures and events to foster a more empathetic and accurate understanding of the past.

• Self-Reckoning: Drawing parallels between honest historical inquiry and personal self-reflection to achieve deeper empathy and self-awareness.

Notable Quotes:

• "If we think of history as a photograph, the history we typically have access to often comes from a very narrow and specific lens." – Charles Fournier [00:51]

• "We can't change what happened in the past, but we can control how we react to it." – Diego Javier Luis [17:04]

• "There are no heroes in history. There's no one you can truly prop up as." – Diego Javier Luis [25:21]

• "Our ability to reflect on our own identities and accept our own contradictions and complications correlates with our ability to view and accept the contradictions and complications of history." – Charles Fournier [11:15]

The Historian's Table invites listeners to continue contemplating these themes, fostering a community dedicated to honest and empathetic understanding of history and its enduring impact on our present and future.