Alternative Facts...
Posted by Janosh_Poha@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 5 comments
So, yesterday I was on a call with a colleague from Columbia University (New York City), and he's a researcher at the Harriman Institute. We were talking about the Balkans and he mentioned something, that I never connected, but I now see it as true. Back in 2017, Kellyanne Conway, advisor to President Trump, coined the now famous term "alternative facts." Obviously, the term caused a lot of discussion within the USA, but I never looked outside the USA. My colleague told me that he believes that the Balkans is basically the birth place of alternative facts. I thought I would post here and see what everyone thinks. I can tell you, from my dealings with Balkan people, that this absolutely is a reality in the Balkans and the Balkan diaspora. So, what do you think? Do you think your nation or people's are victims of "Alternative facts?"
User20242024@reddit
No. You are victim of "official facts". People in Balkans are smarter not to trust what "proclaimed authorities" is telling them.
Incvbvs666@reddit
I think it's bullsh*t and a lame attempt to pathologize the Balkans. Yes, many nations are here in conflict and each is struggling to establish its historical legitimacy, but saying that 'alternative facts' dominate the Balkans is ridiculous.
This is precisely why we learn our history in such detail, so that people can't pull this on us. We learn full well every single aspect of Serbian history, both the positive and negative sides and are far more critical of our past than a very large percentage of nation's I've come across.
Early-Show2886@reddit
What do you mean by that? The Balkans are actually very diverse—not a monolithic entity. Take this as an example: this photograph was taken in 1913 by Austro-Hungarian soldiers on the island of Ada Kaleh (which ceased to exist in 1970). The image clearly illustrates just how diverse the island's population was, despite their shared Muslim faith. Left: A Turkish Gypsy; these individuals lived in makeshift huts on the island. Center: A member of the local Ada Kaleh upper class—the elite—who lived in proper houses. Right: A *Muhacir* (refugee); these individuals lived within the ruins of the fortress located there.
leafsland132@reddit
“a different kind of truth”
Humble-Bear@reddit
He is absolutely right, and Serbia is the worst offender of this.
In Serbia, reality is completely subjective. It is based on the narrative of eternal victim complex, and all "facts" are adjusted around this idea.
Propaganda, lies, misinformation, and disinformation are everywhere. Anyone who has been in elsewhere internationally, where institutions actually function, where people cannot just buy diplomas in universities, knows the difference.