Have you ever been asked, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” Chances are, you’ve likely stumbled upon the viral TikTok trend that’s sparking conversations about the historical narrative and how we perceive the past. This lighthearted trend, where women quiz their partners and friends about their thoughts on Rome, has unveiled a fascinating insight into how history is constructed and consumed.
The trend revolves around a simple question, but the responses have been eye-opening. While some men admit to not thinking about the Roman Empire at all, others reveal a surprising fascination, often reflecting a reverence or even an obsession. This revelation has sparked a wave of online content, predominantly from white men, explaining their interest in Rome, often emphasizing the “lessons” to be learned from its rise and fall.
The trend has prompted women to ask each other about their own historical “obsessions.” While the answers vary, they frequently include significant historical events like the Titanic tragedy, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, the Romanov dynasty, and Greek mythology. This begs the question: What are the historical touchstones that resonate deeply with women, but often go unnoticed by men?
A Trend Unveiling Historical Bias
This seemingly innocent TikTok trend reveals a deeper issue—the way history is presented and consumed. It shines a light on how popular perceptions of Rome are often based on a biased historical interpretation that many scholars are actively working to challenge and dismantle. The trend highlights the prevalence of the “great man” narrative, which often centers around male figures and overlooks the contributions of women and marginalized groups.
The TikTok trend serves as a stark reminder that we need to be critical of the historical narratives that we encounter and to seek out perspectives that challenge dominant narratives. The “great man” narrative, with its focus on male figures and their triumphs, has been criticized for perpetuating a limited and often inaccurate view of history. This type of narrative can inadvertently marginalize the contributions of women, people of color, and other marginalized groups, perpetuating a distorted view of the past.
We can see this bias reflected in the responses to the TikTok trend. While men may readily recall the Roman Empire, women are more likely to connect with events like the Titanic, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and the Romanov dynasty. These events, while tragic, represent moments in history that highlight the human cost of societal injustices and the struggles of marginalized groups. This distinction highlights the need for more inclusive historical narratives that acknowledge the diverse experiences of humanity throughout history.
A Call for Inclusive Historical Narratives
It’s time to move beyond the “great man” narrative and embrace a more inclusive approach to history. By understanding the biases inherent in traditional historical narratives, we can better appreciate the full spectrum of human experience.
