BellaOnline Forums Education History The Rape of Nanking

What is your opinion over the events of the Rape of Nanking or the Nanking Massacre? There have been many debates over the details and whether or not it even happened. Share with us your thoughts.

The evidence I've read (mainly online) indicate there is no reason to doubt this travesty. It was one of the worst periods of history.

I think the doubts that reign are based on the unbelievability of it, similar to the unbelievablity of the holocaust. The enormity of the inhumane actions are basically beyond belief.

This is a big essay I have to write. What I am seeing is that the ones who want to deny it claim that it was a propaganda tool of the United States and China. Japan has been going through a phase where many scholars and politicians are trying to increase the pride citizens and other around the world take in being Japanese. Some revisionists are trying to say that all atrocities are lies and that the military did not go too far in any action during the war.

Re-writing history is an undertaking that should be considered carefully before pen goes to paper. Propaganda might have a place in the world, but what happened happened. Admission of atrocity and the courage to face that and attempt to move forward is more honorable than denying facts.

It should be done very carefully. Anytime we go into something for our own agenda, we need to step back and rethink.

As you pointed out, if it happened just admit it. Show where you can learn from your ancestors and how you have taken there admirable qualities and gone forward.