History Distortion: A Hidden Threat to National Memory

A recent social media post by former contestant of the TV quiz show Đường lên Đỉnh Olympia Chu Ngoc Quang Vinh that distorted history sparked a wave of public outrage. Authorities in Yên Bái soon handed down disciplinary measures. However, focusing only on one individual misses the real crisis that history is being distorted and trivialized at many different levels.

When the Past is Twisted

Scrolling through social media, it is not hard to find so-called “history facts” ripped from context, heroic figures exaggerated to myth, or events sliced and rearranged to push a political point. Some accounts even turn history to memes and parody, blurring the line between fact and entertainment.

Why Is This Dangerous?

Distorted history does not just misinform. It undermines the quintessential foundation of trust. If young people grow up unable to distinguish right from wrong in their nation’s past, they will struggle to defend cultural identity and become more vulnerable to hostile political narratives. Simultaneously, a nation without a shared historical memory risks losing its cohesion and unity.

Authorities work with student C.N.Q.V (left) regarding inappropriate information posted on the Internet.

Who Bears Responsibility?

The responsibility lies with those who distort history online as the government has already taken action in such cases. In January 2025, Hanoi authorities fined a man 7.5 million VND for posting false information about Vietnamese history on Facebook, under regulations against spreading fake news. Moreover, media policies and information security also need to take stronger action against platforms that deliberately fabricate history.

Responsibility also rests with each citizen. Every time we share an unverified “historical fact,” we amplify misinformation. Conversely, every time we choose to read critically, and rely on official sources, we take a vital step in safeguarding our national memory.

A careless answer in a game show might be just a fleeting lapse, but history distortion can leave long-lasting scars on an entire generation. History is not raw material for cheap jokes or political spin. It is the foundation on which we build identity, pride, and a shared vision of the future. Protecting historical truth is, ultimately, protecting the spiritual strength of our nation.