[apozem]

This is a very naive view of history and reconciliation. It's easy to say, "Yes, it was bad, but why don't we move on? Why be divisive and bring up past wrongs?" when you were not the one tortured. I would even call it churlish to preach "forgive and forget" when our countries (assuming you are a Westerner) have been doing wrong by these other countries for centuries.

Pretending history never happened is not only disingenuous, it actively hurts attempts to heal and move forward. There can be no forgiveness if one side tries to pretend something bad never happened. The example everyone cites is South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation process, in which the horrors of apartheid were laid bare. Everyone acknowledged what happened, and it laid the basis for moving forward.

Facts are facts. If the ugly history of imperialism offends you, look away. It will be there regardless.

[anupshinde]

No, I am no westerner. I know what I am talking about. My country was oppressed by the British Empire and was left independent severely impoverished. But we are on our way up, slowly and steadily. People have moved on and have learnt to stand united in diversity