Lessons from the past
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By Aimalynne Radores
The trauma of the past is an issue that everyone experiences, yet no one wants to openly discuss. However, it is always there, unconsciously affecting the decisions that we choose and how we perceive others.
Seventy years after the end of World War II, we cannot completely say that we have forgotten all the pain that it has caused: too many families torn apart by death or displacement, cities ravaged by bombs and airstrikes, and countries that lost what took years to build of their economies.
Looking back is never an easy task. It forces you to reminisce about memories that you would rather forget.
But, as in all aspects in life, we have to examine the past as a guide of how we do not want our future to be.
The North East Asian region has been plagued with many wars, some causing more casualties than others, but all equally debilitating to the countries involved.
World War II caused an insurmountable amount of damage to the region including, the division of the Korean peninsula that exists to this day, the civil war in China that created what is now known as Taiwan, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and eventually the “perceived” isolation of, and animosity towards Japan.
At present time, the relationship between the countries within Northeast Asia can be best described as cordial. Not exactly enemies with each other but neither are they allies.
The region is however at a stage where being passive neighbors is no longer a feasible option. In today’s modern age of interconnectivity and globalization, it is essential that the region moves forward from the past that has continued to mar their relationships with each other and aim to establish stronger partnerships in both the historical and economic context.
Regardless of the peace that is being experienced now, there can be greater effort exerted in ensuring the cooperation and unity in Northeast Asian countries, which in the long term, would be more beneficial for all.
History cannot be changed, this is certain. However, we can change the lens in which we view history with.
Despite the many atrocities that come to mind when we think of World War II, we can instead focus on the lessons that can be learned from it.
For example, that taking aggressive action against other countries can lead to the breaking of alliances and economic trade thus weakening both the aggressor and the victim; that using military power with a flagrant disregard for the lives of civilians causes irreparable damage to the human psyche of the attacked and the attacker thus extending the conflict from one generation to the other; and that taking advantage of weaker nations in the name of widening geographical boundaries, tarnishes the image of the invader even centuries after they have left.
But where do we start? Promoting peace through education is one of the main areas that we can focus on if we want to initiate a change in the overall perception of World War II and the countries within Northeast Asia.
Workshops and multilateral conferences involving different relevant individuals from the youth sector up to the government sector should be targeted to participate in dialogues that could bring about the sentiments of each party and create open communication between those involved.
The opportunity to be able to change the mindset of those who have tarnished ideas about other nationalities because of events that transpired decades ago, is possible and one that should be tapped by members of society that aspire to create a more cooperative Northeast Asian region.
The humanitarian principles of neutrality and equality should also be applicable in today’s world where one should not be judged based on what their ancestors have done or former leaders chose to do.
Furthermore, capacity building activities focused on collaborative efforts between representatives from Northeast Asian states to work towards a common goal could also be conducted such as cultural trainings, exchanges, and immersions, to lessen and eventually eradicate the biased schemas that are present.
It is a gradual process and would take time to see tangible results. However, if the necessary parties involved exert their best efforts to make this a reality, then all the obstacles that they could face can be straightforwardly hurdled.
As the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II draws near, we remember those who have sacrificed their lives to create the peace and freedom that we now enjoy.
It is our duty as the new generation to protect that peace and to foster a culture of unity and camaraderie that would make this region the global leader that it can potentially be.