Especially when they come before a time of political correctness. I just enjoy genuine un-edited descriptions and this YouTube channel is full of them. The creator of the channel reads letters written throughout history. My favorite videos are when he reads writings describing someone's first time experiencing a new culture. There's something almost childlike about trying to describe an experience like that that I find fascinating.

Something to be sure to watch is the first video I have posted below. It's the first-hand description of a white Danish settler in Iceland who was enslaved by Turkish pirates. I had no idea there were ever white slaves. When I looked into it more, I realized that only a few centuries ago, MILLIONS of white Europeans had been enslaved by Turkish people. This went on for over a century. I learned that even European settlers in America were captured and enslaved by Turkish pirates. Someone in the comments suggested the book White Gold about white Europeans being enslaved. I just picked it up and will post about it when finished. It's something our history books in American schools don't cover. I've noticed a lot of scary language over the last few years demonizing white people. And, I never understood why. All races have done bad things. We are all part of the human race. There have been times in history where the actions of POC would make more modern white colonizers look meek. If you think I'm exaggerating or lying, check out Gengis Khan. Although you may have trouble sleeping after listening to that.

I don't think it's ever ok to enslave anyone and I think it's just as bad to twist and hide history to fit an unjust narrative that leads to genocidal language at best and actual genocides at worst. I wish modern American politics would focus on uniting the human race instead of actively working to create division. But, as I say a lot, it is what it is. All we can do is continue to better ourselves. And, educate ourselves on world history beyond the last two centuries.

Especially, from this time period. These people were born in the late 1800s. So much changed during their lifetimes. I can't even fathom it. It makes me think of my great-great-grandma. She was born in 1888. I met her once. I was a young child but I still remember visiting her. She passed about 5 years later at 104 years old. How amazing would it be to have recordings of her talking about her life. It's crazy how much is lost when someone passes away.

Anyway, their lives seem so much nicer than life now. Everything seemed more calm, more free. Obviously, the starvation and poverty is heartbreaking. But, not needing a driver's license, the lack of regulations, rules, and people, just seems so nice.

But, I enjoy watching this guy scroll through. There's a ton of wild stuff out there and watching this channel makes me want to download TikTok just to scroll through the Soft White Underbelly type of content. It never ceases to amaze me how many unique and interesting characters there are in the world...

It's commonly said that history is written by the victors. And, I believe, in current times, the truth is decided by those who control the media. It leaves me wondering what the truth really is and with Really Graceful, I feel like I get much closer to what may have actually happened in the past and what is really happening now.