What’s done is done. As the day winds down, I look back and see that despite my most desperate efforts I cannot change what has happened (do not fear, since coming to this breathtaking place I am proud to say there is very little if nothing at all that I would change). Yet, how I see what has happened today—how I understand and take responsibility for the past—influences my present and future. This great importance of history applies not only to my individual reality, but also to a people.

Winston Churchill wrote, “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” Today, sitting in the oldest mosque in South Africa, the tour guide proposed a similar thesis saying, “History is written by those in power.” History alone is the unadulterated documentation of time as a product of events. But, as with any construction of knowledge, history can rarely be removed from the perspective of the individual or peoples that employ its use. Thus, history is as much a series of facts as it is a story. Like a human being, history is rooted in experience, and takes on identity through perception.

What has become evident as the idea of reconciliation and diversity in the South African Context continues to grow more lucid, is that the promised progress of a nation is intrinsically connected with its history—and the interpretation of that history. Allow me to divulge. I was recently asked whether or not current generations are guilty of the sins of their predecessors? This is a particularly interesting question in regards to the States, South Africa, Reconciliation, and the interpretation of history in general. In order to answer let me first say that if the TRC was capable of showing anything, it is that understanding and seeking truth in history and conflict can not be partial to any perception. If this had happened in the TRC, if the perception of apartheid in South Africa had simply gone from the Afrikaaner’s view to the African’s view—than the role of victim and oppressor might merely have changed in the future. The two groups will forever have a different story and perception of historical events, but even greater truth can be revealed from a mutual understanding and presentation of both histories. To put this concretely, given the history of the Boer people I can understand how fear and tragedy led to the creation of a fascist state. This does not mean that I approve of the creation – I merely understand it. At the same time, reconciling the Boer history with the African history presents even more truth and a different and more critical opinion on the legitimacy of the Boer’s tragedy. Doubt, especially in history, is a good thing. It promotes a desire for continued understanding. It prevents certainty and fundamentalism.

Now I will digress to the original question: being guilty for past generation’s sins. Guilty is the wrong word. It is rare in history that the children of criminals be put on trial and guilty is something to be determined in a courtroom, or if you choose to believe, by God. I will replace the word guilty with responsible. In the case of South Africa and the United States, the ensuing privilege of gross human rights violations does indeed make present generations somewhat responsible towards the sins of their forbearers. Afrikaaners still live in the best damn parts of South Africa. Disproportionate wealth still lies in the hands of white South Africans. Apartheid is over, yes, but the playing field was not leveled by the removal of laws. Opportunity is, in many ways, proportional to money. It is irrefutable that in South Africa and the United States alike, the undeserved privilege that was gained, socially and monetarily, through segregation cannot evaporate overnight for this very reason. Democracy and Capitalism (keep in mind they are what I believe to be the best and most practical ideologies, respectively) on the wide scale, are not generally fast moving social structures. Because past generations of whites created false privilege, future generations, including myself, continue to benefit from these sins. I did not create the privilege. I am not guilty of this crime. But I do benefit from it. I am thus responsible to use my advantages to be and instrument of change for the better. This understanding is essential to progress towards true equality of opportunity in a society.

What does this have to do with history and reconciliation? Settle down. I am getting there. Breath.

History must be reconciled to move forwards. A people must be able to celebrate and be critical of their own history. Moreover, all peoples’ histories must be reconciled in this very manner. Every nation alone has multiple histories. There would be tremendous power in being able to incorporate all of these histories in triumph, tragedy, good and ugly. A united history allows a united movement forward. This is not to belittle the differences in history. No, this inclusion encourages that all of these differences be exposed to encourage critical thought and remove, as previously mentioned, the dangerous desire of certainty in the past, present, or future. The first step is taking responsibility for personal history. Then sharing responsible histories. Then accepting others histories as your own. All the while leaving room for doubt and continuously seeking truth and understanding in the past, to move forward in the present.

When history can be a product of critical thought as well as events, dates and stories—then the present will also be subject to critical thinking. Then—I believe—Reconciliation will truly be able to begin.