Can a nation ever fully recover from a dark past?
In terms of recovery, I think that yes it is very common and it is possible. This can be seen with the axis powers in WWII, who now are completely transformed countries to what they previously believed in the past. Furthermore, One stage of ‘darkness’ in a nations past shall not be a reflection of the nation as a whole and although nations do recover, a dark past can’t be removed from history. It serves as a learning point for the future of the nation. A nations past is also a reflection of the future. A nations past helps to shape the nations future views, changes and political beliefs and therefore where some may say that a nation should forget a dark past, I certainly think that a nations dark past should not be forgotten.
Why is it important to ‘hear’ the stories of those actually affected by the events?
By hearing the stories of those affected and present in the events can help to create a greater insight into the context at the time. In addition, it will help us to create a greater understanding and to not only hear it from an objective, factual point of view but to hear it from a subjective and emotive one. This will help us to view to event from a new unseen angle and form a more personal connection to the event.