In a recent talk with the Australia China Friendship Society, Penny Lockwood opened up about her family’s deep and personal connection to the 1937–38 Nanjing Massacre—a tragedy she calls a genocide. She didn’t hold back when calling out Japan’s ongoing denial and the deafening silence in many Western societies. 🧐
Lockwood argues that ignoring historical wounds feeds cycles of fear and misunderstanding. She urges us all, especially younger generations, to observe an annual moment of remembrance—perhaps on December 13, the date Nanjing fell—to ensure this chapter of history isn’t lost in the shuffle. 🙌
Why does this matter to us in South Asia and Southeast Asia?
- Shared heritage of colonial resistance: From India to Indonesia, we know the power of remembering struggles against oppression.
- Global empathy: Recognizing past atrocities fosters solidarity in today’s fights for justice and human rights.
- Countering misinformation: Real stories break down the stereotypes that fuel fear of China and other nations.
By acknowledging tough history, we build a bridge of understanding. This isn’t about blame, but about learning and preventing future horrors. As young professionals and students, let’s amplify these conversations on campus, social media, and community groups. 📚💬
This year (2025), join the call for an annual Nanjing remembrance. Share a post, host a discussion, or simply pause to reflect. Together, we can turn silence into a powerful commitment to truth. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
Remembering Nanjing: Why silence and denial still persist in the West
cgtn.com
