Stories about History from February, 2016
Ukraine's Eurovision 2016 Entry Is About Stalin’s Repressions. Russia Isn't Thrilled.
Ukraine’s entry for the Eurovision 2016 music contest is a song about the deportation of the Crimean Tatars by the Stalin regime. So why are Russian officials upset?
Sexual Violence a Crime Against Humanity, Guatemalan Court Rules in Historic Verdict
In a historic ruling, a Guatemala court sentences former military men for murder, rape and enslavement of indigenous women, categorizing the offenses as crimes against humanity.
Animator Chronicles His Family's Experience Emigrating With the Caribbean's ‘Windrush Generation’
"While many of the Windrush Generation experienced similar circumstances arriving in Britain, not much is actually documented. Animation can help to bridge generational gaps when the story is relevant."
Want to Arouse a Peruvian's Passions? Just Talk about Terrorism—or Food
"The only other matter that reliably inflames the passions of Peruvians are the attempts by our southern neighbors to claim the Pisco Sour or the Suspiro Limeño as their own."
China Won't Broadcast the Hong Kong Film Awards Because of Dystopian Nominee ‘Ten Years’
"What is so fearful about this film? The film has portrayed different thoughts and perspectives; this can be a starting point for communication and understanding."
World's Oldest President, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Turns 92
"I have died many times. I have actually beaten Jesus Christ because he only died once."
Fascinating 16mm Films of Japan, Hong Kong and Asia From the Last Century
Michael Rogge has uploaded a collection of videos documenting life in Japan and other parts of Asia at the dawn of the continent's economic transformation.
Online Documentary Preserves Oral History Surrounding 1950s Yugoslav Anti-Veil Law
The law was adopted "... to achieve the goal of removing the century-old sign of subjugation and backwardness of of Muslim women..."
The Gambia Commemorates 51 Years of Independence, But Not Everyone Is Celebrating
The Gambia celebrated 51 years of independence from Great Britain on February 18, 2016, more than half a century after becoming Africa's 37th sovereign state.
The Racist Portrayal of the Philippines in Historical Cartoons as US Troops Invaded
The cartoons portrayed Filipinos as uncivilized people who needed to be educated by the invading United States army.
Living the Spanish Language as the Descendant of Afro-Caribbean Migrants in Costa Rica
Shirley Campbell's parents decided not to speak to her and her siblings in English, perhaps as an attempt to give them one less reason to be different.
Hilarious Animated History of Japan Gets Rave Reviews—Including From Japanese
Bill Wurtz's compelling video history of Japan has gone viral, collecting millions of views in just over one week.
Viewers Complain China’s Spring Festival TV Gala Was Way Too Political This Year
"The New Year's gala this year is awful, I feel like I’ve just watched a daily news broadcast but in gala form."
Is Taiwan a Country, a Self-Governing Island, or a Breakaway Territory or Province of China?
The question of Taiwan's political status "is a difficult question for diplomats and journalists, and it is not an easy one even for Taiwanese."
Kuelap, the Ancient Fortress That Aims to Become the Second Biggest Tourist Destination in Peru
"The old occupants of Kuelap abandoned their city before the Spaniards arrived, for reasons that remain unknown."
Colorized Photos Show Manila in Ruins After the Second World War
"100,000 Filipinos perished, government buildings lay in ruins—and Manila was Pearl of the Orient no more."
Spaniards Fired up Over Photo of Bullfighter With a Baby in His Arms
From "irresponsible" to "guardian of traditions": A photo of a popular matador fighting a heifer with his baby in his arms provokes a strong and mixed reaction in Spain.
