Historical revisionism

In academic sense, historical revisionism^[a] refers to the re-interpretation of historical records.^[1] Historical revisionism usually presents itself as the rejection of mainstream narratives of past events.^[2] Such rejection may involve showing perceived counter-evidence and/or questioning the motives of those involved.^[2] Nowadays, historical revisionism tends to have a negative meaning because it is often associated with extremist ideologies like Neo-Nazism.^[2]

Overview

Pseudohistory

Some engage in historical revisionism to deny genocides (e.g. the Holocaust, the Rwandan genocide or the Cambodian genocide) and spread hatred towards some ethnic groups,^[2][3] which can have a dangerous impact on society.^[2][3] Such revisionist history is seen as a form of conspiracy theory,^[3] sometimes called pseudohistory.^[b][3][4]

Revisionists

Those promoting pseudohistory are called historical revisionists,^[2][3] or simply revisionists.^[2][3] Some call them distortionists as well.

Other examples

• 9/11 conspiracy theories
• Moon landing conspiracy theories
• John F. Kennedy's assassination conspiracy theories
• Illuminati and Freemasonry-related conspiracy theories
• Diana, Princess of Wales' death-related conspiracy theories
• Khazar myth
• Irish slaves myth

Related pages

• Vichy syndrome
• Polish Memory Law
• Holocaust uniqueness debate

Footnotes

1. Or history rewriting
2. pseudo- : from Greek ψευδής, "false"