Historical Accuracy: The combined definitions of the
words "Historical" and "Accuracy".
The term "Historical Accuracy" is defined as concerning
history or past events, in the state of being correct or precise.
If a piece of entertainment claims to be historically accurate and yet it does not line up with historical documents, photographs, or first-hand accounts, then it is not considered historically accurate, but historical fiction, alternate
history, or something else.
Historical accuracy is typically used in reference to forms of entertainment like books, movies, and video games, all of which sometimes
base themselves in specific eras of world
history. Historical accuracy in these forms of entertainment exists at varying levels, typically depending on the
story'
s setting, the specific genre, and the expectations that consumers have for it. Sometimes, the historical accuracy of a specific piece of entertainment can be increased or decreased, based on the creator injecting their political and or religious beliefs into the
story.
Additionally, sometimes the terms "historical accuracy" and "historical authenticity" are politicized and used to suggest closeted bigotry and or sexism, but this idea is incorrect. With few exceptions, those that desire historical accuracy or authenticity in their entertainment only want it as it is defined. There is no secret or nefarious
definition of historical accuracy, for the majority of consumers.
The Typically Conversational Interpretation of Historical Accuracy
Sam: "
Hey Phil, you see Pearl Harbor, yet? It's a fun film!"
Phil: "No, I haven't. I heard it's not very historically accurate. There's
nothing wrong with you enjoying it, but I personally like historically accurate films more than Michael Bay's big budget popcornfests."
Sam: "Yeah, that's fine. I just thought you might be interested in it, since it's a WWII film."
The Politicized Conversational Interpretation of Historical Accuracy
Dave: "
Hey Mark, you gonna buy Battlefield V? I just saw the reveal trailer and it looks great!"
Mark: "Naw, man. I'm more interested in historically accurate games like Call of Duty 2 or Brothers in Arms. I don't wanna run around WWII Europe as a pirate-hooked
British woman with Braveheart war-paint. It's fine if you like it, though."
Dave: "Um, historical accuracy?
People say that's just a code term for advocating sexism and
racism in video games.
Mark: "What isn't a code term for sexism and
racism, these days? No, it's not actually sexist or
racist to want only people that were actually there, whoever they are, to be in specific historical settings and battles. That is by definition, historical accuracy."
Dave: "Yeah, I suppose so."
