TOPIC:

Recently I have been posting about the Anglo-Boer War on a LinkedIn History Group. No major research, nothing we haven’t already discussed here, just a couple of paragraphs at a time with a suitable accompanying image, simply because no-one else was doing it and because I think that this fascinating period of history should not be forgotten. The group covers all aspects of history and I continually see an image or read about something I previously had no knowledge of.

Blimey have I received some horrible comments and personal messages from people I have now blocked. The pattern seems to be whenever I’ve posted comments or an image relating to the Boers. People have accused me of ‘celebrating a racist people’ , showing ‘sympathy for a terrible regime etc, etc.

I replied to a couple of people saying that they are missing the point of my posts which just explain an event, simply a moment in history. When they say that ‘the Boers took land and subjugated native people’ I pointed out that this really is no more than the British Empire did and suggested that their comments really were detracting from the meaning of the post.

History is simply that, history, and history is often unpleasant in many ways but it is the way of world history.

Personally I’m interested in the history of the Anglo-Boer War, how it happened, the military history, tactics and the personalities, British, Boer whatever. I find personal accounts incredibly fascinating and enjoy finding out about and understanding the personalities of key players on both sides.

I am grateful for this website and forum where we like minded individuals can discuss and debate without judgement and reprisals.

Hi Ian,

It certainly does make one appreciate this forum, and the people who contribute to it, when you see what a dark place the internet can be. Eventhough I collect medals to all conflicts I’m only active on this site for the very experience you outlined.

As we say in Australia; “Opinions are like @seholes….everyones got one”…and there are a lot of opinions out there. I have also met a lot of people who think it’s funny to supplement their sad lives by putting other people down. They deliberately target people with inflammatory comments just for kicks…..how sad and futile.

Yourself and others on this forum, like David Biggins, EVF, Rob just to name a few, are accomplished authors whose contribution to history will be recorded long into time whilst their simple minded comments will wither on the vine.

Let’s continue to recognise everyone who has been impacted by war; British, Boer, white, black, woman and child; let’s continue to give them a voice whatever their circumstance and without judgment.

Regards,
Shaun

Hello Ian
It should come as no surprise that a certain section of the public would react to the bad old days of the British Empire. Unfortunately, any balanced argument or explanations historians provide regarding historical events are wasted on the narrow minded armchair keyboard warriors who's mindset is totally unchangeable. It is happening everyday in our society. Our opinions, our free speech is being eroded minute by minute. You cannot argue with these people, they believe they are always right. Many people enjoy hijacking web chats just for the fun of it. It is a very mixed up world we find ourselves in. A history website which is there for everyone to glean knowledge , warts and all, should be open for all debates. However, there will always be a keyboard clown to ruffle the feathers just to enjoy a reaction.

Dave.. .

Thank you Shaun and Dave. You are both right.

Shaun - We had that same saying in the Navy 😊

Yes, I’ve dismissed these individuals as not actually being interested in history and suspect that some may just look around for an opportunity to disrupt intelligent conversation.

I agree. This forum is truly a place where one can learn about and understand the Anglo-Boer War in an unbiased way where together we raise awareness of everyone’s story, which together form history, an important, fascinating and worthwhile thing.