PDF Summary:Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me, by Wilfred Reilly

In the provocative work Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me, author Wilfred Reilly challenges prevailing narratives surrounding American history, racial discourse, and political ideologies. By revisiting topics such as slavery's origins, the "Red Scare" era, Western colonialism, and the countercultural movements of the 1960s, Reilly offers an alternate perspective that prompts readers to reevaluate conventional wisdom.

Drawing upon newly declassified records, anthropological studies, and political analysis, Reilly presents his viewpoint on historical events, societal implications, and the lasting impacts that shape modern thought. Through addressing the evolving understandings of subjects often cast in a one-sided light, Reilly invites readers to examine their established beliefs from a different angle.

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Other Perspectives

• The extent of the infiltration might be overstated, as the presence of communist sympathizers does not necessarily equate to effective infiltration or influence.
• Journalists often operate with a commitment to objectivity and may have reported on Soviet perspectives as part of balanced coverage rather than acting as conduits for propaganda.
• The actions of Duranty and Matthews might reflect individual biases or errors in judgment rather than a systemic effort to downplay or misrepresent communism.
• The diversity of opinions in academic and media circles could have been a reflection of the freedom of expression and intellectual freedom that are core values of democratic societies, rather than a concerted effort to downplay the risks of communism.
• The impact of the CCPUSA on American culture should be considered alongside the influence of other political and social movements of the time, which also shaped the arts and media, such as the civil rights movement, feminism, and anti-war activism.
• The American film industry has produced numerous films that are critical of communism and totalitarian regimes, indicating that negative portrayals were not universally suppressed.
• The interpretation of historical events is subject to revision and debate, and what may be perceived as a dismissal could be a part of the natural process of historical analysis and reassessment.
• While individuals associated with communism were present in various segments of American society, their influence may have been overstated, as the majority of Americans did not adopt communist ideologies, and the U.S. maintained a capitalist economy and democratic political system throughout the Cold War.
• Historical viewpoints are often shaped by a wide array of sources and interpretations, and the dangers of communism during the mid-20th century have been extensively documented and debated by historians, suggesting that Reilly's work is part of a larger discourse rather than a definitive challenge to a monolithic historical viewpoint.

The book reassesses the portrayal of the hippie movement's stance against the Vietnam War.

The movement's darker elements, such as unlawful activities, substance misuse, and exploitation of individuals, are often understated, even though the hippie movement was not universally accepted.

Reilly examines the frequently glorified view of the 1960s counterculture, arguing that the hippie movement was not universally celebrated and that its negative consequences, including a rise in crime, pervasive drug use, and exploitation, are frequently downplayed in modern retellings. Reilly argues that the tendency to idealize frequently casts a shadow over the more problematic elements associated with the countercultural movement, particularly during occurrences like the "Summer of Love" and Woodstock.

The counterculture movement of the 1960s, commonly known as the hippie movement, saw a rise in unlawful behavior, substance misuse, and exploitation of susceptible groups such as women and young people.

Reilly illustrates the 1970 Hard Hat Riot, an event where New York City's construction workers clashed with protesters against the war, as a demonstration of the American working class's predominant disavowal of the era's countercultural values. He underscores the escalation of illegal behavior in conjunction with the prevalent consumption of strong drugs among hippie communities in the 1960s and 1970s, while also noting the existence of individuals who exploited the movement's relaxed ethical standards for their own gain. Reilly argues that romanticizing this era fails to acknowledge the real harm experienced by the most vulnerable individuals, including women and young people, during the countercultural movement.

Reilly conducts a thorough examination of the Manson Family's history, shedding light on the darker elements associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s. He emphasizes how the collective began in a Californian desert commune, initially marked by an ethos of counterculture, and how their descent into extremism was fueled by substance abuse and the doomsday proclamations of their leader, culminating in their participation in violent deeds. The brutal murder of Sharon Tate and her companions in 1969 underscores the dangerous outcomes that can stem from a movement advocating for chaos and violent behavior. Reilly argues that the Manson Family represents the dark elements that were occasionally masked beneath the hippie movement's facade of free-spiritedness.

Practical Tips

• Write a reflective journal entry comparing and contrasting your values with those of the 1970s working class. Reflect on how societal values have changed over time and how different events have shaped or challenged these values. This personal exercise can help you identify the influences on your own beliefs and how they align or differ from past societal norms.
• Engage in a community art project that captures the spirit of peace and love, which were central themes in the hippie movement. Collaborate with local artists or friends to create a mural or installation that promotes these values in your community. This not only pays homage to the movement's ideals but also encourages contemporary dialogue about its significance.
• Start a peer discussion group focused on ethical dilemmas in modern culture. By regularly meeting with friends or colleagues to discuss real-life scenarios where ethical boundaries are blurred, you can develop a stronger moral compass. Use current events or historical examples that parallel the exploitation of the countercultural movement as a starting point for these discussions.
• You can learn from history by volunteering at organizations that support vulnerable groups to understand the long-term impact of social movements. By engaging with these organizations, you'll gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals affected by broad societal changes. For example, volunteer at a women's shelter or a youth mentoring program to see how historical movements may have influenced their current situations.
• Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing current social groups or movements with a set of criteria based on historical outcomes. Create a checklist that includes factors like leadership structure, group goals, and methods of communication. Apply this checklist to a modern movement you're interested in to evaluate its potential positive and negative impacts, similar to how you might assess a business investment.
• Develop a habit of researching the background and credentials of any influential figure or organization before aligning with their ideas. Use online resources to check their history, funding, and any controversies or criticisms they've faced. This due diligence can help you make informed decisions about who to trust and what ideologies to support.
• You can foster a culture of non-violence by starting a personal journal to reflect on daily actions and their impact on others. Write down instances where you might have inadvertently supported aggressive behavior, even in small ways, such as through language or entertainment choices. Reflect on how these actions could contribute to a larger culture of violence and brainstorm peaceful alternatives.

The romanticized view of the counterculture movement faces scrutiny as the time referred to as San Francisco's "Summer of Love" swiftly spiraled into chaos and lawlessness.

Reilly explores the critical era often referred to as the "Summer of Love," taking place in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district. Initially emblematic of hope and lofty ideals, the Haight neighborhood swiftly descended into chaos and lawlessness, marked by widespread drug use, hostility, and the influx of opportunistic individuals. The author scrutinizes contemporary tales that highlight the escalation of drug addiction, the exploitation of vulnerable street children, and the ensuing disillusionment and decline associated with the era characterized by the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Reilly argues that romanticizing this era results in a diminished recognition of its harmful impacts and distorts our understanding of its true significance in the historical narrative of the United States.

Reilly highlights the often-overlooked detrimental effects on women that originated with the Sexual Revolution, referencing viewpoints from feminists like Joan Didion and Virginia Ironside. The author contends that advocating for more permissive sexual standards frequently led to women feeling coerced into participating in casual sexual encounters, which not only caused emotional turmoil but also contributed to a rise in sexually transmitted infections. Reilly also comments on the influence of the decade's popular tunes in fostering an environment where young girls were depicted in a sexually inappropriate manner, noting that this tendency arose from a decline in ethical standards and widespread endorsement of exploitative conduct during that era. Wilfred Reilly delves into the complexities of the counterculture period, challenging the widely accepted perspectives by emphasizing its frequently ignored detrimental effects and suggesting that the period's legacy is far more complex than its typically glorified depiction.

Practical Tips

• Develop a habit of critical media consumption by questioning the romanticization of past events. Whenever you encounter media that portrays historical events with a nostalgic glow, take a moment to research and write down the less-discussed consequences of those events. This practice will help you develop a more nuanced understanding of history and its impact on the present.
• Create a neighborhood watch program to foster a sense of community and address safety concerns. Collaborate with your neighbors to establish regular meetings, share information, and develop strategies to keep the neighborhood safe. This could involve setting up a group chat to report suspicious activity or organizing community patrols to deter opportunistic behavior. Through these efforts, you'll contribute to creating a more cohesive and vigilant community.
• Engage in conversations with individuals who lived through the counterculture era to gain personal insights. Reach out to family members, teachers, or community members who experienced the 1960s and 1970s firsthand. Ask them about their personal experiences, including both the beneficial and detrimental aspects they witnessed or endured. This direct engagement can provide a nuanced perspective that challenges the romanticized narrative.
• Start a discussion group with friends or colleagues to talk about personal experiences with societal expectations related to gender roles. This can help you understand the real-world impact of these expectations on individuals. During these discussions, you might share stories about times when you felt pressured to conform to certain behaviors or roles and explore how these pressures have affected your life choices and sense of self.
• Create a personal code of conduct regarding relationships and intimacy. Decide what you are comfortable with and what you are not, and write these guidelines down. Having a clear set of personal rules can empower you to make decisions that respect your comfort level and can serve as a reference when you're faced with decisions that may challenge your boundaries.
• Start a small, informal support group with friends or online to share experiences and strategies for managing the emotional and physical risks associated with casual relationships. This peer-to-peer exchange can provide a sense of community, offer diverse perspectives, and encourage responsible behavior without judgment.
• You can analyze song lyrics to identify problematic themes by creating a personal playlist of popular music from different eras and noting any recurring stereotypes or inappropriate depictions. Afterward, reflect on how these themes may have influenced societal attitudes and your own perceptions.

Contrary to popular belief, public opinion significantly backed the conflict in Vietnam for a considerable duration, and it was not as universally denounced or regarded as unwarranted as frequently portrayed.

Wilfred Reilly challenges the widespread belief that the Vietnam War was universally denounced and unjustified, asserting that there was not a consensus of condemnation and that there were grounds for its occurrence. The author conducts an in-depth analysis of historical survey data, revealing that a significant segment of the American public supported the country's involvement in the war until the late 1960s. Reilly argues that the common perception of the war as a wholly condemned and immoral conflict is shaped by distorted historical accounts and portrayals in the media that downplay the complex global political context marked by the competitive tension with the United States' adversary during the Cold War.

Reilly emphasizes the genuine danger that global communism represented throughout the Cold War era. Wilfred Reilly argues that the notion of a communist victory in one country potentially setting off a series of similar transformations in neighboring countries, known as the domino theory, was actually grounded in fact, as demonstrated by the global trend towards communism from 1940 to 1979. Reilly underscores the grave consequences stemming from the ascent of communism in Vietnam, particularly due to the heinous acts perpetrated by the Cambodian government. Wilfred Reilly argues that, despite its flawed execution, the Vietnam War was a genuine attempt to halt the spread of an authoritarian ideology and should not be dismissed as a conflict lacking in purpose or public backing.

Other Perspectives

• The methods used to gauge public opinion, such as polls and surveys, can have limitations and biases that may not fully capture the nuances of public sentiment.
• While it's true that there was significant support for the Vietnam War, particularly in its early stages, opposition to the war grew steadily, becoming a prominent feature of the American political landscape by the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• Public backing for the war may have been influenced by government propaganda and a lack of transparent information about the realities of the conflict and its progress.
• The perception of the war as condemned and immoral may also stem from the evolving public understanding of international law and human rights, which judges past conflicts by contemporary standards.
• The competitive tension between the U.S. and its adversaries sometimes led to proxy wars that caused significant harm to the populations of third-party nations, which could be seen as a failure of diplomacy and international relations.
• The ideological conflict between capitalism and communism during the Cold War sometimes obscured the potential for peaceful coexistence and cooperation on global challenges.
• The domino effect assumes a passive role for neighboring countries, discounting the agency and resilience of local governments and populations in resisting communism.
• The rise of communism in some countries was a response to local conditions, such as colonialism, inequality, and oppression, rather than a coordinated global movement.
• The heinous acts committed by the Cambodian government under the Khmer Rouge were a result of a complex set of internal factors, not solely the ascent of communism in Vietnam.
• The war's tactics and strategies, including the heavy bombing of North Vietnam and the use of chemical agents like Agent Orange, raise ethical questions about the means used to combat the spread of communism.
• The domino theory, which was used to justify the Vietnam War, has been widely criticized by historians and political scientists as an oversimplified and ultimately flawed rationale that did not accurately predict the spread of communism.

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a tactical approach aimed at limiting the influence of states that permitted slavery, rather than a policy founded on racial prejudice.

Reilly scrutinizes the controversial method established by the U.S. Constitution for calculating slave representation and taxation, known as the clause that counted each slave as three-fifths of a person for these purposes. He argues that this approach stemmed not only from racial prejudice but also from a deliberate tactic to diminish the influence of states that held slaves, which inadvertently bolstered the efforts of those who were pushing for the abolition of slavery.

The arrangement, subsequently known as the Three-Fifths Compromise, was established to balance the interests of pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, with the intention of limiting the power of slaveholding states.

Reilly elucidates the misconception that Southern racists were behind the compromise, when in fact, it was Northern abolitionists who were its staunch advocates. He argues that Northern states were predisposed to reduce or completely omit the inclusion of enslaved individuals in population counts to undermine the legislative influence of the Southern states. Southern slaveholders, eager to expand their sway, championed the complete counting of enslaved individuals in their quest for greater power. Reilly characterizes the compromise that counted each slave as three-fifths of a person as a strategy that reduced the influence of the South while acknowledging the inhumanity of enslavement. He asserts that without this compromise, the Constitution may never have been ratified, potentially resulting in a separate Southern confederacy where slavery would have thrived unopposed.

Reilly emphasizes that, under perfect circumstances, opponents of slavery would have opted to completely omit enslaved individuals from the census tally. Wilfred Reilly suggests that initially, slaveholders deemed the system satisfactory because it enabled them to include a substantial part, precisely three-fifths, of their enslaved individuals when determining their representation. This evolution, while it lessened the influence of the southern states, simultaneously strengthened the emerging country. Reilly argues that the agreement laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery, demonstrating the Constitution's innate capacity to develop progressively into a more equitable social structure.

Context

• Southern states wanted enslaved individuals to be fully counted to maximize their political power. The compromise was a concession that allowed them to gain some additional representation without achieving their full demands.
• Northern states were generally more industrialized and less reliant on slavery compared to the agrarian Southern states, which depended heavily on slave labor for their economic prosperity.
• The push for full counting was part of a broader strategy to maintain a balance of power between free and slave states, ensuring that neither side could dominate federal policy-making.
• Many abolitionists were critical of the compromise, viewing it as a moral failure that legitimized slavery and delayed its abolition.
• If the Southern states had formed a separate confederacy, it could have led to a divided North American continent, with the South potentially aligning with foreign powers or expanding slavery without Northern opposition.
• Abolitionists viewed the counting of enslaved individuals as a tacit acknowledgment of slavery's legitimacy. By excluding them from population counts, they hoped to delegitimize the institution and weaken its political and social standing.
• The Three-Fifths Compromise was part of the United States Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was a pivotal agreement between Northern and Southern states during the drafting of the Constitution.
• The compromise demonstrated the framers' willingness to make pragmatic decisions to ensure the ratification of the Constitution, which was essential for the survival and unity of the fledgling nation.
• The compromise and its implications were part of broader moral and ethical debates about human rights and equality, which continued to evolve and influence American society and its legal framework.

The pact, against popular belief, reduced the political clout of slaveholding states and marked a victory for the abolitionist movement.

Reilly suggests that by recognizing the reality of slavery, the three-fifths compromise played a key role in curbing its expansion. The South could have exerted significant sway over the nation's political landscape had its large enslaved population been fully included in representation tallies. Reilly posits that the compromise played a crucial role in diminishing the power of pro-slavery advocates, which in turn laid the groundwork for the ultimate triumph of the movement to end slavery. Reilly concludes that, in spite of its inherent shortcomings and ethical offensiveness, the core aspect of the three-fifths compromise signified a significant victory over the institution of slavery. Wilfred Reilly argues that our understanding of the complex political climate of the time is skewed when we fail to consider the historical context and the lasting positive outcomes of the agreement, and instead judge it by today's ethical standards.

Context

• Some abolitionists viewed the compromise as a way to prevent the Southern states from gaining excessive power, which could have been used to perpetuate and expand slavery.
• The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement during the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention that determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation. It decided that three out of every five enslaved individuals would be counted, which affected the distribution of seats in the House of Representatives and the Electoral College.
• In the early United States, representation in the House of Representatives was based on state populations. More people meant more representatives, which translated to more influence in federal decision-making.
• The abolitionist movement, which sought to end slavery, gained momentum in the early 19th century. The reduced political power of slaveholding states, as a result of the compromise, may have indirectly facilitated the movement's efforts by limiting pro-slavery legislation and influence.
• In the 18th century, slavery was a deeply entrenched institution, and many political decisions were made within that context. The moral and ethical standards of the time were different from those of today, where slavery is universally condemned.

The consequences of colonial rule cannot be simplified into mere narratives of oppression.

Reilly argues that the common view of Western colonialism as an entirely nefarious influence, which is deeply rooted in scholarly and mainstream conversation, simplifies and distorts a complex historical event. Reilly posits that, although colonial dominance was marked by suppression and exploitation, it resulted in significant benefits for many of the colonized regions, including the creation of infrastructure for transport and communication, improvements in healthcare, the establishment of educational institutions, and a gradual reduction in indigenous practices like slavery and caste-based discrimination.

Colonialism, despite its involvement in harsh and exploitative acts, also led to considerable improvements such as the establishment of infrastructure, education, and public health systems in numerous territories that were colonized.

Reilly challenges the notion that only Western societies engaged in colonialism, pointing out that the Mongol empire's extensive conquests and the significant migrations of the Bantu in Africa are comparable historical events. Reilly contends that the crucial issue is not to assess colonialism on a scale of good or bad, but to evaluate if it was notably more detrimental than the pre-existing native governance it supplanted. Reilly argues that modern narratives often highlight the negative consequences of Western colonization, yet they overlook the fact that the societies that existed before colonialism sometimes engaged in practices that were equally severe or even more brutal.

Reilly emphasizes his argument by examining the era during which Ghana was subjected to British imperial rule. He underscores the improvement of public health infrastructures, such as the establishment of healthcare centers, sanitation measures, and water distribution networks, all aimed at protecting the well-being of those from Europe who settled in new lands. Reilly notes that institutions of higher learning, which have their roots in Western educational systems, were instrumental in driving social advancement within societies, even while functioning within the constraints of colonial governance. Reilly suggests that despite the exploitative intentions behind their actions, colonial regimes brought about significant advancements in the territories they governed, advancements that still have an impact on those societies today.

Other Perspectives

• The term "colonialism" is often specifically associated with the European colonial period due to its unique characteristics, including the establishment of settler colonies, exploitation of resources, and imposition of European culture, which may not be directly comparable to earlier forms of territorial expansion and domination.
• The Mongol empire's conquests and the Bantu migrations differ in scale, intent, and outcome from Western colonialism, which was often driven by a deliberate policy of economic exploitation and cultural domination.
• The argument assumes that the value of governance can be measured solely by its level of detriment, which oversimplifies complex socio-political dynamics.
• Focusing on the severity of pre-colonial practices can be a form of whataboutism that diverts attention from the specific historical responsibilities and legacies of Western colonial powers.
• While Reilly examines the era of British imperial rule in Ghana and notes improvements in public health infrastructure, it's important to consider that these improvements were often primarily intended to serve the colonial administrators and their interests, rather than the indigenous population.
• The introduction of such infrastructure may have disrupted traditional practices and local knowledge that were well-suited to the specific environmental and social conditions of the region.
• The focus on Western educational systems can overshadow the value and effectiveness of pre-colonial, indigenous educational practices and systems that existed before colonization.
• The benefits of colonial infrastructure and education were not universally accessible, as colonial policies frequently entrenched social inequalities by providing services to certain groups while neglecting others.

Some considered colonial governance to be a better alternative than the existing local systems of rule, which could be equally or even more oppressive.

Reilly suggests that the implementation of colonial rule played a role in increasing stability and reducing conflict in many areas that came under colonial dominance. Wilfred Reilly emphasizes that prior to colonial intervention, Africa was characterized by frequent clashes, the subjugation of individuals, and strife between various tribal and monarchic factions. The writer posits that imperial nations were primarily focused on establishing a stable and orderly setting conducive to their economic pursuits. This unintentional outcome led to positive effects for the wider society, encompassing a decrease in hostilities and the suppression of inhumane practices like the transatlantic slave trade.

Reilly draws on historical and anthropological evidence from Nigeria to demonstrate that societies often underwent persistent conflict and unrest before they were colonized. He argues that, in many cases, colonized people saw Western colonizers as a preferable alternative to the brutal rule of their own leaders. Wilfred Reilly's examination draws on historical evidence showing that inhabitants of regions under external control often collaborated with the ruling powers, participated in the economic systems they set up, and at times chose to join the military services of those in command. Reilly contends that the widespread collaboration suggests that, in opposition to modern assumptions, the populations under colonial rule generally recognized the legitimate power of the colonial rulers.

Context

• Colonial governance often introduced new economic systems, such as cash crop agriculture and mining, which could provide new opportunities but also led to the exploitation of local labor and resources for the benefit of the colonizers.
• The establishment of colonial rule often involved a significant military presence to maintain order and suppress resistance. This military control could reduce local conflicts by imposing a centralized authority, albeit through force.
• Despite conflicts, many African societies maintained rich cultural traditions, including art, music, and oral literature, which played a crucial role in community cohesion and identity.
• The introduction of Western education and religious missions sometimes led to shifts in social norms and practices, which could reduce certain forms of violence and promote new social cohesion under colonial rule.
• Scarcity of resources such as fertile land, water, and trade routes often led to disputes and wars among neighboring groups, contributing to instability.
• Colonial authorities sometimes abolished practices they deemed inhumane, such as certain forms of slavery or ritual killings. This could lead to a perception of moral superiority or benevolence among some colonized people.
• Interaction with colonial powers often led to cultural exchanges, including education and language acquisition, which could enhance personal and professional opportunities for local inhabitants.
• Collaboration took many forms, from economic partnerships and administrative roles to military alliances. These relationships were not always indicative of acceptance but could reflect coercion, strategic alliances, or lack of viable alternatives.

Numerous areas have undergone significant unrest and conflict as a result of long-standing tribal and ethnic tensions resurfacing after the end of colonial governance, rather than as a direct consequence of colonial policies.

Reilly suggests that the escalation of long-standing tribal and ethnic conflicts, which had been previously ignored or suppressed under foreign governance, played a major role in the turmoil and instability that plagued Africa after it achieved independence. Reilly acknowledges that the establishment of nation-states with arbitrarily drawn borders by colonial rulers could have adverse effects, yet he emphasizes that the more profound sources of social strife frequently stem from enduring animosities among diverse cultural groups. He uses the Rwandan genocide as an example to demonstrate how the reduction of imperial powers' influence ignited pre-existing tensions between Hutus and Tutsis.

Reilly, referencing political scientist Jack Paine's research, notes that the presence of groups with pre-colonial state organization is a strong predictor of potential conflicts between different community groups in post-colonial societies. Reilly argues that Paine's texts challenge the common perception that the colonial era's initiatives were solely responsible for the chaos that ensued following the end of colonial rule. Wilfred Reilly contends that while the return to indigenous rule often sparked ancient disputes, the period of colonial rule inadvertently ushered in a peace that was, in many cases, preferred by the populations over their native alternatives. Reilly's examination encourages readers to question the conventional narratives of oppression and hardship by highlighting the complex and sometimes positive consequences of colonialism, while also bringing to light the frequently ignored turmoil and disruption that ensued with the cessation of colonial governance.

Other Perspectives

• Colonial powers frequently employed divide-and-rule tactics that deepened ethnic and tribal divisions, suggesting that the resurfacing of these conflicts post-independence is indeed a direct consequence of colonial policies.
• The concept of nation-states with defined borders is a cornerstone of the modern international system, which has provided a basis for international law and order, potentially contributing to global stability.
• Blaming enduring animosities among cultural groups could oversimplify complex political situations, ignoring the roles of individual leaders, state policies, and geopolitical strategies that often play a significant role in conflict.
• The framing of the Rwandan genocide as a re-ignition of pre-existing tensions oversimplifies the complex interplay of historical, social, and international factors that contributed to the genocide.
• Some post-colonial societies with pre-colonial state structures have managed to integrate these entities into the modern state apparatus, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict.
• The concept of "ancient disputes" could be an oversimplification, as the dynamics of these disputes may have evolved significantly over time and could be influenced by contemporary political, economic, and social factors.
• The idea that colonial peace was preferred assumes a homogeneity of opinion among colonized populations, which is unlikely given the diverse responses to colonial rule across different communities and individuals.
• Highlighting positive consequences of colonialism can be seen as downplaying the negative impacts, including exploitation, cultural erasure, and long-term socio-economic disparities that many colonized societies have endured.
• Reilly's focus on the turmoil following colonialism might overlook the efforts and successes of post-colonial states in establishing peace, unity, and development despite the challenges inherited from colonial rule.