History in Living Colour - Friday, Period 3 (Week 8)

[veryarthurdent.livejournal.com]

"Listen closely," the Doctor said once everyone had gathered inside the Danger Shop that looked like a classroom, "because this could be the most important history lesson you'll ever learn. People make mistakes. People in power make even bigger mistakes. Sometimes they're small, insignificant, and sometimes they affect so many people you can't even count them all yourself. Sometimes the changes are for the better, but mostly you'll find that people's mistakes cost lives and livelihood. Hindsight is 20-20, and if you're good enough you can learn from the past, but even then you won't be able to expect some of the horrible things that people - not just humans - can do to each other.

To use an example from human history, let's look at the 16th century. To combat the rise of religious unorthodoxy, the Pope - that's the leader of the Roman Catholic Church - gave Cardinal Ximinez of Spain leave to move without let or hindrance throughout the land, in a reign of violence, terror and torture that made a smashing film and comedy sketch. The people of Europe didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition."

Three Cardinal-looking men in red outfits with silly hats burst into the room from a door off to the side. "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"

The Doctor looked confused. "What?"

Comments

Re: Be Tortured. It's not as bad as it sounds.

[likethegun]

It was all Sam could do not to snicker. "No, you don't have to," he said. "I changed my mind. I'm innocent. I couldn't hurt anyone, really."

Re: Be Tortured. It's not as bad as it sounds.

[darkangelsawyer.livejournal.com]

"Right, then," the Cardinal said, brightening up. "So where was I? Oh yes! You are accused of heresy on three counts -- heresy by thought, heresy by word, heresy by deed, and heresy by action -- *four* counts. Do you confess?"

Re: Be Tortured. It's not as bad as it sounds.

[likethegun]

Curious about what would happen, Sam shook his head. "No, I don't confess. These accusations are crazy."

Re: Be Tortured. It's not as bad as it sounds.

[darkangelsawyer.livejournal.com]

"Oh ho ho, crazy, am I? That's it! I'm putting you on the rack!" Cardinal Biggles raised one arm and intoned solemnly, "Bring out the rack!"

The two other rushed forward and began securing a dish drying rack to Sam's chest. Cardinal Biggles buried his face in his hands. "Oh good lord."