Lecture Notes on Eurocentrism in History Writing

Introduction

• Objective: Discuss the case of history writing about Thomas Stamford Raffles to illustrate the larger problem of Eurocentrism in history.
• Timeframe: 45-minute presentation.

Historical Context

• Ibn Khaldun: Arab historian who distinguished between the zahir (apparent) and batin (hidden) aspects of history.
  • Zahir: Reported facts; surface-level understanding.
  • Batin: Underlying realities, hidden causes, and effects.
  • Importance of recognizing biases and value judgments in historical interpretation.

Case Study: Thomas Stamford Raffles

• Raffles is often portrayed as a progressive statesman and humanitarian.
• Critique by Said Hussein Alatas: Ethnic bias in British historiography fails to critically assess Raffles' views and actions towards Asian communities.
  • Events overlooked include:
    • Massacre of Palembang
    • Banjarmasin Affair (corruption case)
    • Trade in opium
• Textbooks and writings often silence Raffles' questionable acts in the context of British imperialism.

Thematic Analysis

• Decolonial Criminology: Alatas’ analysis connects Raffles' actions to the broader context of colonial capitalism and the criminality of colonial states.
  • Mainstream criminology often focuses on low-level crimes rather than the crimes of the powerful, such as Raffles.

Eurocentrism in Historical Narratives

• Definition: Eurocentrism is the tendency to center European perspectives and experiences as universal truths, neglecting other viewpoints.
• Examples:
  • Discovery of America: Columbus’s voyage is often framed as a universal discovery, ignoring the existence of indigenous peoples.
  • Hinduism: The term is a colonial construct; there was no unitary religion called Hinduism before European intervention.

Impact of Eurocentrism on Historiography

• Eurocentrism has led to:
  • Oversimplification of diverse cultures and religions (e.g., Hinduism).
  • Misrepresentation of indigenous histories and contexts.
  • Emphasis on ethnic divisions over class struggles in society.

Challenges in Asian Historiography

• Class vs. Ethnic Analysis: Societies in Southeast Asia are often analyzed through ethnic lenses rather than class, reflecting colonial legacies.
• Notable Scholars: Critique of Eurocentric history from Asian-centric perspectives is essential but often lacks clarity in definition.

Call for a Decolonized Approach

• Importance of adopting anti-colonial, post-colonial, or decolonial perspectives in historical analysis.
• Recognition that historical narratives can be biased based on the interests of the historian’s community.

Current Context in Singapore

• Discussion on the continued veneration of Raffles in Singapore’s national narrative:
  • The 1971 book by Said Hussein Alatas challenged the notion of Raffles as the sole founder of Singapore.
  • Raffles’ historical portrayal has implications for contemporary identity and recognition of pre-colonial history.
  • Ongoing debates about the legacies of colonial figures in national history.

Conclusion

• Need for critical engagement with history that recognizes the complexities and contradictions of colonial narratives.
• Encouragement for students and scholars to question dominant historical portrayals and explore alternative histories that reflect a more nuanced understanding of the past.