The problem with presentism
"Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America" sets out with a tantalizing premise - to uncover the stories behind America's forgotten structures. Yet, it tragically falls prey to the pitfall of presentism, an approach that distorts rather than enlightens.
The series, in an attempt to engage with contemporary issues, frames many abandoned relics within the context of modern sensibilities, often completely out of sync with the era they belong to. This is not just a minor flaw; it's a fundamental misstep that robs the past of its authenticity and complexity. By judging historical sites and events through today's values, the show perpetrates a form of intellectual colonialism, projecting current attitudes and beliefs onto times and places where they simply do not fit.
It's a disappointment, as the show had the potential to offer insightful glimpses into the past. Instead, it often feels like a shallow, patronizing lecture on how we, in our enlightened present, know better than those in our less sophisticated past. The talking heads, presumably experts, come off as less informed interpreters of history and more like actors performing a script designed to appease contemporary biases.
This is a disservice not only to history but to the audience as well. I came seeking knowledge and understanding of the past, only to receive a filtered and skewed version that aligns with current ideological trends. The richness of history lies in its ability to challenge our present-day perceptions, to show us how people thought, lived, and solved problems in contexts very different from our own. By ignoring this, "Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America" loses an opportunity to genuinely educate and engage. It simply reaffirms contemporary moral grandstanding.
In essence, the series is a missed opportunity, a journey that could have been both informative and enlightening but ends up mired in the myopia of presentism. It's a reminder that history, when stripped of its context and complexity, becomes a mere shadow play for modern narratives, losing much of its value and relevance.
For those interested in a true exploration of America's abandoned past, free from the constraints of contemporary judgments, there are other, more faithful documentaries and series available. These alternatives respect the integrity of history and provide a more authentic and meaningful experience. "Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America," unfortunately, is not one of them.
The series, in an attempt to engage with contemporary issues, frames many abandoned relics within the context of modern sensibilities, often completely out of sync with the era they belong to. This is not just a minor flaw; it's a fundamental misstep that robs the past of its authenticity and complexity. By judging historical sites and events through today's values, the show perpetrates a form of intellectual colonialism, projecting current attitudes and beliefs onto times and places where they simply do not fit.
It's a disappointment, as the show had the potential to offer insightful glimpses into the past. Instead, it often feels like a shallow, patronizing lecture on how we, in our enlightened present, know better than those in our less sophisticated past. The talking heads, presumably experts, come off as less informed interpreters of history and more like actors performing a script designed to appease contemporary biases.
This is a disservice not only to history but to the audience as well. I came seeking knowledge and understanding of the past, only to receive a filtered and skewed version that aligns with current ideological trends. The richness of history lies in its ability to challenge our present-day perceptions, to show us how people thought, lived, and solved problems in contexts very different from our own. By ignoring this, "Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America" loses an opportunity to genuinely educate and engage. It simply reaffirms contemporary moral grandstanding.
In essence, the series is a missed opportunity, a journey that could have been both informative and enlightening but ends up mired in the myopia of presentism. It's a reminder that history, when stripped of its context and complexity, becomes a mere shadow play for modern narratives, losing much of its value and relevance.
For those interested in a true exploration of America's abandoned past, free from the constraints of contemporary judgments, there are other, more faithful documentaries and series available. These alternatives respect the integrity of history and provide a more authentic and meaningful experience. "Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America," unfortunately, is not one of them.
- drewmcgunn
- Jan 14, 2024