CSI Effect

'Tomorrow's only what the past dragged in.'
--Jez Lowe

Humans have used stories as an exceptionally 'sticky' way of transmitting information since the beginning of history. This is probably one of the key things which allowed us to flourish as a species. In modern times, we have an unprecedented ability to spread our stories-- and with that, an unprecedented ability to spread bullshit. And when a lie gains traction as accepted general fact, it's not pretty.

This seems fairly hypocritical for me to say this as someone who writes historical fantasy and alternate history. Michael and I are, for large parts of our story, actively thumbing our noses at reality. But a good part of this is driven by our conscious choice to present a recognisable fantasy world that shares some big commonalities with real life but is not being presented as historical fact.

The problem with presenting historical fiction as fact is that our understanding of history shapes our perspective on current problems. Although there is a strong tendency among privileged groups to paint history as a series of inevitable events which are now done and completely divorced from the present, that's simply not true. And if you think that public opinion isn't influenced by media...there have been legions of studies that prove we learn a vast amount of facts and nonsense from stories (or for those who don't want to read said depressing studies, just watch Charlie Brooker's series on the subject), and that this has a tangible effect on our collective behaviour.

If you want the flavour of a historical setting but not the attendant research or responsibility, that's fine--you've got endless choices for creating a fantasy world or a alternate timeline that lets you have the best of both.