Ever felt a shiver down your spine reading a historical fact that sounds like it belongs in a dystopian novel? Get ready for another one, because today we’re peeling back a layer of history that’s as disturbing as it is unbelievable. We’re talking about a time when a government, yes, a government, issued licenses to hunt… human beings.
When ‘Game’ Meant People
Imagine a world where permits weren’t just for fishing or big game, but for tracking down and killing indigenous people. Sounds like something from a dark fantasy, right? Well, a recent ‘Today I Learned’ (TIL) post on Reddit shed light on this horrific reality: the South African government once issued official licenses to hunt the indigenous San people, treating them like wild animals.
It’s a fact that hits you like a cold wave. The San people, often referred to as Bushmen, are one of the oldest cultures in the world, with a rich history spanning tens of thousands of years in Southern Africa. Yet, during a dark period, they were subjected to unimaginable dehumanization. These ‘hunting licenses’ weren’t a metaphor; they were actual, bureaucratic documents that gave individuals permission to kill members of the San community.
A Chillingly Recent Past
What makes this even more shocking? The last of these licenses wasn’t issued centuries ago, lost in the mists of ancient barbarism. It was given out in 1936. Let that sink in for a moment. 1936. That’s within living memory for many, a mere blink in the eye of history. Think about it: the Golden Gate Bridge was just completed, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Berlin, and the world was on the cusp of World War II. Yet, in South Africa, such a barbaric practice was still, officially, in play.
This wasn’t just a rogue act; it was a systemic, government-sanctioned policy that stripped human beings of their dignity and right to exist. It’s a stark reminder of the extreme lengths to which prejudice and dehumanization can go, and how shockingly recently some of humanity’s darkest chapters closed.
Why Does This Matter Today?
Learning about such atrocities isn’t about dwelling in the past for its own sake. It’s about understanding the roots of systemic injustice, the power of dehumanization, and the long shadow cast by such historical trauma. It makes you think about how quickly societies can normalize the unthinkable and how vital it is to challenge prejudice and uphold human rights, always.
So, the next time you hear someone say, “that could never happen again,” remember 1936. Remember the San people. Because understanding these dark facts isn’t just a random piece of trivia; it’s a critical part of ensuring we build a future where every human life is valued, not hunted.
Caracole