The Shared Struggle of Residential School Survivors and the ‘Comfort Women’ Against Denialism
Denialism—the refusal to acknowledge historical facts – is an issue that undermines justice and healing for victims worldwide. In Canada, denialism minimizes the horrors faced by Indigenous children in residential schools, who were forcibly removed from their families and often never returned.
Similarly, denialism obscures the suffering of the ‘comfort women’ – women from Korea, China, Indonesia, and other nations forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. Despite overwhelming evidence and survivor testimonies, denialists reject or downplay these atrocities, perpetuating the injustice suffered by these women.
Nationalism, political interests, social stigma, and fear of accountability all contribute to the persistence of denialism. This denial not only distorts history but also inflicts additional trauma on survivors by invalidating their experiences and hindering their healing.
Memorialization plays a crucial role in confronting denialism. Memorials dedicated to residential school victims and ‘comfort women’ serve as a powerful reminder of these injustices, validating survivors’ experiences and educating the public about historical truths that denialists seek to obscure.
To combat denialism, we must prioritise education, support survivors, and ensure accurate historical narratives are taught and widely understood. Providing platforms for survivors to share their stories and countering false narratives with facts are essential steps. Cultivating critical thinking and challenging denialist rhetoric is essential in fostering a society that values truth and reconciliation.
Recognising the parallels between denialism in residential schools and the ‘comfort women’ issue highlights a pattern where dominant groups rewrite history to avoid responsibility. Understanding these connections is crucial for confronting denialism and moving towards a more just and truthful society.
Acknowledging these historical wrongs and respecting the memories of those who suffered are a vital step towards truth and healing. While reconciliation is important, truth must remain the foundation to ensure justice for all victims.
- Elena Villabona Palomero
To learn more, check out Elena's podcast episodes on the Beyond the Headlines podcast: Unraveling the 'Comfort Women' Issue and Truth First: The Legacy of Canada's Residential Schools.
