Why is it that the History Channel only talks about history of the WESTERN world?

Question

It NEVER gives credit to Chinese inventions for example. When they glorify ancient civilizations...is always the romans and greeks. The Chinese was way more advanced during that time and way more powerful. Did you know that they already invented the piston?

History Channel always talk about about WWII or the middle ages in Europe. They never talk about middle ages anywhere in Africa! Or in Asia. They always talk about war from OUR point of view. They don't step out and see it from the others.

I want to learn about Bhutan. I want to learn about the boxer rebellion. I want to learn about king leopold which massacre millions of south africans. These topics are never covered.

Could someone explain to me why the History Channel is soOoOoOOoOoo biased?

Answer 1

Well the History Channel is not a public station, like any private business it needs to make $ and the ad dollars come from shows that focus on things like WWII and European or Western focuses. I think the limited viewing interests of the American cable TV auidence is more to blame then the channel itself... which is part of the CNN family under the TIME Warner corporation. You could ask the same question of CNN... why so little asian or african news?

All that being said... its still better to have a History Channel as is then not one at all. Given that a very small percentage of the general population even likes learning about history, having a whole channel devoted to it is amazing.

By the way... there is a History Channel International available with some expanded cable offereings and they have a much broader focus. Here is an answer to a FAQ on their web site:

Is the The History Channel® the same everywhere around the world?

Each version of our channels is unique and customized to meet the cultural preferences of our international viewers. Please note that programming information found at www.history.com is relevant only to The History Channel in the United States -- we cannot answer questions regarding programs and schedules of our international partners.
To view international schedules, please visit our Around the World web site and then click on the map or the name of the country for which you seek information.

So there you go. You might also want to go their site to send feedback on what you'd like to see.

Answer 2

Because they are aiming towards an audience segment - it is also easy to get source material as these subjects have been extensively researched for centuries (albeit only certain aspects).

For some countries/nations, there was no tradition of recording history in written form until very recently and history has been re-written to suit those in power.

However - there is a great solution - books! You will be able to read about all of the topics you mention in your message and lots lots more - enjoy! The pictures you create in your mind will probably be much better.

Answer 3

Better look again...
I have seen excellent shows on the history channel about :
Chinese inventions...
The empires of the khans.
Greek inventors like Heron

They show a lot of great stuff from around the world...
Keep watching ....Keep learning...
At least you are watching something you can learn from...

Answer 4

You really shouldn't worry about the History Channel, no professional historian does.

The History Channel is for entertainment purposes only, it is not a source of documented history nor of the history of the world.

Don't take the History channel seriously, nor should you quote it or use it as a reference. Just watch it for enjoyment and not for a History lesson.

Answer 5

It is biased simply because it is located in a western nation. It is attempting to cater to it's primary audience. I agree it would be nice have a bit broader spectrum. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if that would help their ratings any really.

Answer 6

I've seen african shows...