WSC 2023 - Historical Distortion

Should historians spend less time on periods in which injustice was widespread, and more on those in which people were striving to overcome it?

• Yes, they should focus on periods of overcoming injustice

• No, they should focus on periods of widespread injustice

• They should spend equal time on both

• It depends on the specific historical context

Is it possible to look at the past without interpreting it through a modern lens?

• Yes, it is possible to have an objective view of the past

• No, interpretation is inherent in studying history

• It depends on the individual historian

• Only certain aspects of the past can be viewed objectively

If we could look at the past without interpreting it through a modern lens, would we want to?

• Yes, it would provide a more accurate understanding of history

• No, interpretation adds depth and meaning to historical study

• It depends on the specific historical context

• There is no definitive answer to this question

How important is it that actors who play historical figures resemble them physically?

• It is crucial for historical accuracy

• Physical resemblance is not important as long as the performance is convincing

• It depends on the specific historical figure being portrayed

• Physical resemblance is only important in certain mediums, such as film

Would it have been acceptable for a short obese man to play Abraham Lincoln in a movie, as long as he grew a beard and wore a hat?

• Yes, as long as the portrayal captured Lincoln's character

• No, physical resemblance is essential for portraying historical figures

• It depends on the specific movie and its artistic interpretation

• There is no definitive answer to this question

Would it have been acceptable for a short obese man to play Abraham Lincoln in a play or a musical?

• Yes, as long as the portrayal captured Lincoln's character

• No, physical resemblance is essential for portraying historical figures

• It depends on the specific play or musical and its artistic interpretation

• There is no definitive answer to this question

Once technology permits, will it be better to reconstruct historical figures with CGI than to try to find human lookalikes?

• Yes, CGI can provide more accurate and realistic portrayals

• No, human actors bring a unique authenticity to historical portrayals

• It depends on the specific historical figure and the purpose of the portrayal

• There is no definitive answer to this question

Does 'color-conscious casting' open doors to new stories and help move society in a progressive direction?

• Yes, it promotes inclusivity and diverse perspectives

• No, it distorts historical accuracy and perpetuates disinformation

• It depends on the specific production and its execution

• There is no definitive answer to this question

Does 'color-conscious casting' lead to harmful disinformation and the perpetuation of existing barriers?

• Yes, it distorts historical accuracy and perpetuates harmful narratives

• No, it promotes inclusivity and diverse perspectives

• It depends on the specific production and its execution

• There is no definitive answer to this question

Can we learn helpful truths from an invented past?

• Yes, invented pasts can provide valuable insights and perspectives

• No, invented pasts only lead to misinformation and confusion

• It depends on the specific context and purpose of the invented past

• There is no definitive answer to this question