In an interview on the “Facts First” podcast with Christian Esguerra, public Historian and University Professor Xiao Chua said being a historian requires scholarship. | FACTS FIRST WITH CHRISTIAN ESGUERRA
Public historian Xiao Chua on Friday defended his profession after controversial director Darryl Yap’s statements denigrating the work of historians.
Speaking on the “Facts First” podcast with Christian Esguerra, Chua said that being a historian is a profession and requires education.
“Profession siya dahil kailangan mo mag aral para maging iskolar ng kasaysayan,” he said.
“Hindi totoo kapag historian ka, wala kang analysis. ‘Di ka tinatawag historian kapag wala kang analysis, antiquarian ka lang, nag kwekwento ka lang ng nakaraan,” he added.
Chua said the pro-Marcos movie “Maid in Malacañang” by Darryl Yap invalidates the victims of the Marcos regime and abuses freedom of expression.
“Talagang winawalanghiya talaga ang mga biktima, ‘yung mga human rights violation victims hindi dapat sila makalimutan dahil sila ang lumaban para sa ating kalayaan,” he said.
“Matagal na inaabuso ang constitutional right to freedom of expression, ‘yan lang ang dahilan kung bakit tayo ganito,” he added.
In an interview with Boy Abunda, Yap claimed that being a historian should not be considered a profession.
“I don’t believe that historians should be a profession. I believe that historians are researchers,” Yap said.
Chua responded in a Facebook post that he would give his middle finger to whoever said that being a historian should not be a profession.
“I am just an ordinary person, but with whatever little power I have, I will give my middle finger to you,” Chua said.
Chua has since apologized for his post and said people could visit his YouTube channel to know more about his views regarding history. Alexandra L. Mangasar