The Lens of War - A Focus on the Ukraine Crisis
Stories to be tolled
In this episode of the 'Stories to be tolled' blog series, Tracy DW looks briefly at the contemporary implications of the war and crisis. Through a critical lens, she asks how the narratives of victors and victims shape our understanding of history and reflects on its profound impact on the human condition and the complexities of narrative control in times of conflict. Listeners are urged to confront the uncomfortable truths of historical and ongoing injustices, from the colonial conquests of the past to the current geopolitical tensions. This short reflection serves as a poignant reminder...
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From Erasure to Revelation - Canada's Journey to Truth
Stories to be tolled
February marks the month of Black History in the US and Canadian Heritage and this poignant episode of the ‘Stories to be tolled’ blog series delves into the unsettling revelations from Canada, where from 2004, we remember the remains of children that were discovered at former residential schools. These institutions, part of a broader system aimed at erasing Indigenous identities, serve as a grim reminder of the colonial past's injustices. Tracy reflects on the dual role of education, both as a force for good and as a tool for hidden agendas, drawing parallels between historical atrocities...
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'Land of the Free ?' - The Complex Legacy of the Louisiana Purchase
Stories to be tolled
In this thought-provoking episode of the 'Stories to be tolled' blog series, Tracy marks the beginning of a new era in geopolitics with reference to the complex history of the United States, tracing its roots back to a pivotal moment in 1803—the Louisiana Purchase. Tracy DW reflects on this monumental land acquisition not only expanded the 13 original colonies into a vast nation but also set the stage for deeply entrenched societal and political ideologies that resonate to this day. Listeners are encouraged to unravel the intricate web of colonialism, slavery, and the relentless pursuit of...
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The Hero Paradox - Unsung but never forgotten
Stories to be tolled
In this episode of the 'Stories to be tolled' blog series, as the 47th US Presidential inauguration approaches Tracy DW reflects on the life of Crispus Attucks, a man shrouded in mystery yet immortalised as a symbol of the anti-slavery movement and the complex roles Africans played in the American Revolution, navigating the paradoxical heroism and war crimes they faced. By questioning how Africans, who fought bravely, were denied the status of heroes in a society that refused to acknowledge their equality, Tracy brings the discussion about the ‘hero complex’ into a modern day...
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The Wind of Change - 'Echoes of a New Era'
Stories to be tolled
In this compelling episode of the 'Stories to be tolled' blog series, Tracy DW kicks off the new year continuing season 5, reflecting on the anniversary and historical significance of British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's 'Wind of Change' speech. Tracy draws parallels between the transformative winds of 1960, the COVID-19 pandemic and the present-day upheavals brought about by the consequences of post pandemic events. Tracy also highlights another modern 'wind of change' that will question and challenge long-held ideologies and societal norms on a global scale: that of the election of the...
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'The Brave Pen' - Writing Against the Grain
Stories to be tolled
In this the sixth episode of the ‘Stories to be tolled’ blog post series you can listen in on School Leader, author and podcaster Tracy DW on her journey from writing about the British Empire to creating an expansive learning platform aimed at harnessing the power of multimedia to breathe life into her stories, provide meaningful contexts and foster understanding of complex historical narratives. Tracy also talks about another journey: that of creativity and self-expression in stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether you're an author, educator, or simply someone with a story to tell....
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'Our History, Our Voice' - A Perspective on Britain’s Colonial Past
Stories to be tolled
In a world where the small things are often overlooked, it's crucial to explore and celebrate the diverse narratives that have shaped our past as well as our present. In this episode of the ‘Stories to be tolled blog’ Tracy emphasises the importance of diversity in education, highlighting how incorporating stories about colonial history into the curriculum gives people of colour not only a voice to express their own history but can foster in pupils a greater understanding of global interconnections and encourage taking their own journey towards owning their cultural heritage and...
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From 'their' history to 'our' history - a Journey of Ownership
Stories to be tolled
"History teaches us about human nature, how the politics and culture intertwined to make us who we are and to show how we evolve as social beings over time." (Tracy DW) "What I want people to do is to make that journey from saying it's our history to actually saying it's my history." (Tracy DW) This thought provoking episode of the blog challenges the traditional, polarised view of history, particularly black history, and calls for a more holistic understanding. With current discussions on reparations and the investigation into the royal family's wealth amassed through colonialism, Tracy...
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'History's Tapestry' - Weaving the Past with the Present
Stories to be tolled
"The podcast has helped me learn that yet again, there's so much about our present circumstances in the world that has a link to colonialism and to decisions that now influence a lot of foreign policies that countries have with each other around the world." (Tracy DW) This next instalment of the blog series delves into the origins of Tracy’s podcast, 'Stories to be tolled – the podcast series,' which began as a way to share extensive research that didn't make it into her books. Initially planned as a limited series, the podcast has expanded to cover a wide range of topics and diverse...
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Stories to be tolled - Filling the Gaps: Inclusive History for Young Minds.
Stories to be tolled
"The goal is to inspire curiosity and encourage further exploration of topics like the history of Zimbabwe or the early colonisation of the Caribbean." (Tracy DW) As an author, podcaster, and educator, Tracy's blog series aims to intricately weave historical insight with captivating narrative storytelling, shedding light on the British Empire's colonial past. In the second episode of this blog series, Tracy describes how 'Stories to be tolled' highlights the importance of developing a more inclusive history education in schools ‘History is...a matter of fact or perspective?’ School...
info_outlineIn this episode of the 'Stories to be tolled' blog series, Tracy DW looks briefly at the contemporary implications of the war and crisis. Through a critical lens, she asks how the narratives of victors and victims shape our understanding of history and reflects on its profound impact on the human condition and the complexities of narrative control in times of conflict.
Listeners are urged to confront the uncomfortable truths of historical and ongoing injustices, from the colonial conquests of the past to the current geopolitical tensions. This short reflection serves as a poignant reminder that the lessons of history are not merely relics of the past, but vital insights that inform our present and future.
Tracy invites listeners to reflect on the broader consequences of war, not just in Ukraine but in the historical context of colonialism and empire building.
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You can also contact Tracy via audio on the speakpipe link or email Tracy [email protected]