Selection of Sources
The sheer volume of sources cited in relevant bibliographies is impressive. Comparison between Richard Frank and Gar Alperovitz is indicative of general trends. Since Frank wrote his cited work in 1999, while Alperovitz was writing in 1965, it is better to compare sources with Alperovitz’s later work, The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb. While there is some overlap, it is surprisingly rare. Harry Truman as author, cited nine times by Alperovitz, received one citation from Frank. Alperovitz is more likely to cite primary works; diaries, committee notes, etc. However, Shapiro’s criticism of Alperovitz’s quotations noted above should be considered. The comparison is further hindered by the nature of the works. Frank was writing a narrative, while Alperovitz was advancing an argument. Thus, Alperovitz was more likely to use interpretive language like “inevitably,” “non sequitur,” and “myth,” although this cannot be considered definitive proof of bias, merely divergence of purpose and audience.
The Future of Bomb Historiography
In the conclusion to his 2016 book, Prompt and Utter Destruction, J. Samuel Walker discussed the frequent moral/immoral assertions of Hiroshima scholars. Walker stated, “No amount of historical evidence will bridge this gap; it arises to a large degree from the differing values, assumptions, priorities, and experiences that individual scholars bring to their work on the subject.” In an appendix entitled “Essay on Sources,” Walker noted the “fierce partisanship” that has often characterized the traditionalist versus revisionist polemic. He cites Frank’s Downfall as an example of recent “middle ground” scholarship. “By demonstrating serious deficiencies in both [traditionalist and revisionist arguments], they have provided much needed correctives to the over-simplified formulas and overheated arguments at the poles of the debate.” His essay is a valuable resource on topical historiography.
The topic also continues to be influenced by personal memory and experience. An estimated 325,000 World War II veterans remain alive in 2020. Many recall something to the effect of “I was on a troop ship headed for the invasion when the bomb saved my life.” Countless more grew up hearing such stories from fathers, uncles, brothers, and old neighbors pontificating on neighborhood porches. In 1988, Paul Fussell published a collection of essays entitled Thank God for the Atomic Bomb. In the eponymous essay, Fussell posited “the importance of experience, sheer, vulgar experience, in influencing, if not determining, one’s views about that use of the atomic bomb.” If history is to be inclusive, these perspectives cannot be ignored. As that experience passes from first person reality to second-hand memory, will its effect on the collective memory pass with it? Current scholarship indicates it will not.
On 4 January 2010, Tsutomu Yamaguchi died at the age of 93. To date, he is the only person certified by the Japanese government as a survivor of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
No comments:
Post a Comment