The Middle Ground Journal

By Yang Huei PANG, Senior Lecturer, Singapore University of Technology and Design

Abstract: This essay draws on Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s idea of “silencing the Past” to explore three historical episodes and their implications for teaching history. Firstly, it critiques William Bundy’s biased Cold War account of the Vietnam War, revealing the author’s political agenda and its impact on historical interpretation. Secondly, it reflects on the complexities of conducting oral history of survivors of the Second World War, considering both personal experiences and potential state agendas. Lastly, it examines British imperialism through a local lens, highlighting present-day concerns in a modern metropolis. These episodes illustrate the interconnectedness of global and local history in the classroom, prompting questions about narrative construction, counter narratives, and pedagogical approaches. By delving into these topics, this essay aims to enrich the teaching of Asian history, particularly in the context of Singapore.

Keywords: Historicity, History Pedagogy, Historiography, Oral History, Sino-U.S. Rapprochement, Imperialism, Second World War, Vietnam War, Singapore

Edited by Birgit Schneider

Special thanks to the anonymous peer reviewers.

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© 2025 The Middle Ground Journal (ISSN: 2155-1103) Number 28, Fall 2024/Winter 2025 http://TheMiddleGroundJournal.org

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