Politics In Public History!

The role of politics in public history.

Public Historians play a huge role in our society because they engage in all topics by giving historical interpretations that are beneficial to all audiences. Public historians engage with their work by challenging political narratives. Politics plays a deep role in public history because it can influence how a story is told and the ways the story will be remembered. Historians engaging in politics have the responsibility to make sure they critically think and analyze while they navigate the complexities of the political
world.

Engaging in Political Activism

Public Historians can engage in politics but also keep a professional standpoint on their research. Public historians must be able to navigate the balance between professionalism and being optimistic. Activism in political engagement includes historical projects, supporting the community, while also challenging misinformation. However, how much you are engaging in politics depends on the level of context. Some public historians may be working in such places as museums and government institutions that comes with strict rules which does not allow the historians to be as open as they would like. Nevertheless, historians should always use their platform to remain grounded in their research.

Appropriate level of engagement

Going about the professional way of handling political engagement is by being transparent while also still having respect for other opinions. Being transparent allows others to see how vulnerable you are about your topic. Engaging in politics also means that you have to have your research done correctly so that your statements are backed up by facts. Overall engaging in politics can be a difficult thing to balance as a historian without getting personal feelings involved but it all comes with balance of transparency and fact-based information.