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History is not all innovations and celebrations. In fact, a lot of it isn’t. There are countless instances of brutality, war, racism, genocide and other disturbing, shameful truths. And while tragedies do not exist only in the past, just take a look at the war Putin is cruelly waging in Ukraine, it is important for us to understand history to try to keep ourselves from repeating the darkest moments.

We’ve gathered a list of disturbing and painful historical photos down below, so we can all shine a light on some of the most unsettling parts of the world’s past. I will warn you, some of these photos are hard to see, but many of them capture important moments in history that we cannot allow ourselves to forget. 

Although it is fascinating and informative, I understand that this list is a bit heavier than many of Bored Panda’s other publications. So after you have taken a moment to look back on these heartbreaking photos, we recommend checking out this article featuring some lighter moments from history that might bring a smile to your face and restore a bit of your faith in humanity.

#1

Anne Frank’s Father Otto, Revisiting The Attic Where They Hid From The Nazis. He Was The Only Surviving Family Member (1960)

Anne Frank’s Father Otto, Revisiting The Attic Where They Hid From The Nazis. He Was The Only Surviving Family Member (1960)

Later the photographer Arnold Newman recalled taking of this photo: “The mood was depressing, and I immediately began photographing him. After a few moments, the Westertoren bells next door began to ring, and Frank turned to me and said: ‘Those were the bells that Anne wrote about.’ He suddenly broke down completely, weeping uncontrollably, and then so did I. We never met again. To this day when I lecture or tell this story to people, I find I choke up; I still can’t help myself.”

Arnold Newman Report

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BetterBitterButter
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I first read the book I was around 12 and it was part of our curriculum. At that time I didn't know that her father had survived the camp. There must be so many families who didn't see a single survival. There must be so many who survived to find out they don't know a single person. It's beyond messed up and again humans are sometimes absolute monsters to other humans.

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History is the most exciting story ever told. It has infinite characters, the plots are true yet often unbelievable, and there is something for everyone: romance, intrigue, suspense, comedy, tragedy, and more. But the most exciting and cheerful moments are what many of us like to focus on, as to not feel guilt or shame for our ancestors’ actions. Sometimes, however, we need a reminder of some of the darkest moments to humble ourselves and be reminded that nothing is impossible. If these events took place once, they are likely to be repeated unless we collectively agree to stop them.

This list features some upsetting and disturbing photos, but they are parts of the past that cannot be forgotten. Of course, every country and group of people has their own unique history, so we are not all responsible for racism or genocide. But continuing to stay aware of these tragedies of the past can keep them in the past. Especially if your people were the victims in some of these horrific, photographed events, this list might not be for you. But for my fellow pandas who can handle these disturbing photos, strap in for your dark history lesson of the day.

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#2

Runaway Slave Peter, Exposing His Severely Whipped Back

Runaway Slave Peter, Exposing His Severely Whipped Back

Peter had received a severe whipping for undisclosed reasons in the fall of 1862. Peter escaped in March 1863 from the 3,000 acre plantation of John & Bridget Lyons, who held him and 40 other people in slavery at the time of the 1860 census.

Baton Rouge, La., 2 April, 1863: "Overseer Artayou Carrier whipped me. I was two months in bed sore from the whipping. My master come after I was whipped; he discharged the overseer. The very words of poor Peter, taken as he sat for his picture."

JaeSolomon , Wikimedia Commons Report

#3

Dorothy Counts, The First Black Student To Attend An All-White School In The United States. Shown In This Photo Teased And Mocked By Her White Male Classmates

Dorothy Counts, The First Black Student To Attend An All-White School In The United States. Shown In This Photo Teased And Mocked By Her White Male Classmates

Wikimedia Commons Report

Among the many terrible events humans have caused throughout history, the Holocaust is certainly one of the most famous. As 6 millions Jews were murdered at the hands of the Nazis, as well as countless other disabled people, gay people, Slavs, Romani people, and anyone who opposed Hitler openly, the Holocaust is an extremely dark time to look back on. However, it is very important that the history of World War II and the Holocaust are still taught, today and for generations to come. 

According to the Montreal Holocaust Museum, we must be educated on this horrific event to understand the impact of history on our society. It was a shocking atrocity that helped transform international politics and justice, as people did not know the warning signs to look out for until it was too late. It seems so blatantly obvious that what the Nazis were doing was wrong, but the fact that it ever happened in the first place cannot be overlooked. We have since used this event to study democracy, dictatorships, propaganda, genocide, intervention, resistance, to try to ensure that it never happens again.    

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#4

The Dog Tags Of 58,307 US Soldiers Killed During The Vietnam War At The Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago

The Dog Tags Of 58,307 US Soldiers Killed During The Vietnam War At The Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago

sasha_man123 Report

#5

Human Zoos Existed. These Photos Taken In 1904, Where Us Government Imported 1,300 Indigenous Filipinos From Different Tribes To Display At The St. Louis Exposition In 1904

Human Zoos Existed. These Photos Taken In 1904, Where Us Government Imported 1,300 Indigenous Filipinos From Different Tribes To Display At The St. Louis Exposition In 1904

Filipino Zoo Girl was displayed at the Coney Island Zoo in 1904. She was a zoo attraction among the monkeys and lizards to show off the new US possessions in the Philippines. She was bound by ropes. Visitors threw her peanuts.

Library of Congress , Library of Congress Report

The Montreal Holocaust Museum also notes on their website that even though this was a horrific time in history, the most important thing to focus on when discussing the Holocaust is the victims. The people who lost their lives, family members, and homes are important to talk about because it can be hard to relate to ridiculously large numbers and sterile statistics. The stories of individuals should be told, so we can relate and empathize with the experience they endured as human beings. Millions of people were subjected to unimaginable torture, pain and loss, and their stories cannot be forgotten. 

Lists like this help us empathize with those who have suffered immense trauma in the past. It is one thing to hear about atrocities, but it can be far more impactful to see the faces of the people who had limbs blown off in war, were enslaved due to the color of their skin, or were the perpetrators inflicting this pain on others. When we see these dark parts of history through photographs, we cannot deny the harsh reality that these events took place.  

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#7

A Ku Klux Klan Child And A Black State Trooper Meet Each Other, At A Klan Rally Protest In Gainesville, GA (1992)

A Ku Klux Klan Child And A Black State Trooper Meet Each Other, At A Klan Rally Protest In Gainesville, GA (1992)

Innocence is mixed with hate. The toddler approached the trooper, who was holding his riot shield on the ground. Seeing his reflection, the boy reached for the shield.

Todd Robertson Report

#8

Two Armenian Counter-Militias Fighting The Armenian Genocide Perpetrated By The Turkish Ottomans. 1915

Two Armenian Counter-Militias Fighting The Armenian Genocide Perpetrated By The Turkish Ottomans. 1915

getronagan , tumblr.com Report

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#9

Motel Manager James Brock Pours Muriatic Acid In The Monson Motor Lodge Swimming Pool, To Get Black Swimmers Out Of The Pool. June 18, 1964

Motel Manager James Brock Pours Muriatic Acid In The Monson Motor Lodge Swimming Pool, To Get Black Swimmers Out Of The Pool. June 18, 1964

curlysas , Civil Rights Movement Archive Report

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Becki Boop
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disgusting and terrifying - look at her face :( she's trying to protect her family - this photo always makes me cringe so hard, don't ever forget his name. F**k James Brock." Inhalation of muriatic acid vapors can cause immediate coughing, choking, chest pain and tightness, hoarseness and sore throat, rapid pulse, and bluish tint to lips and fingers. More severe effects include inflammation or burning of the windpipe and respiratory tract, coughing up of blood and pulmonary edema" what the fuuuÜckkkk

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Bernd Herbert
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s a powerful reminder of which „good ol‘ days“ some people are talking about

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
nitka711 avatar
Nitka Tsar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just think about it. Hitler died 1945. Everyone was SO appalled what he did to Jews. This photo was taken 19 years later! 19 years and people could still do such things to others, just because they were different from them.

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is happening right now. Whether it's Jewish and black people, or queer/trans people, American Conservative Christians/Republicans have been trying to wipe out entire chunks of our population, and have now declared that they want to wipe out "liberals."

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YinzerGhost
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the America that Red Hats would have you believe was "great," and that they long to return to.

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to think they wanted to return to the Disney version of the past because they didn't remember how horrible it really was. The Trump era showed clearly that no, they want to go back to the lynching and raping and beating parts, too.

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BetterBitterButter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's less than sixty years ago. Humans are capable of being absolute monsters to their own kind.

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For anyone who is astounded and wondering "How could this have happened?" and "It can't happen again" -- it never stopped happening. Consider that the woman who lied about Emmett Till and admitted it years ago is still alive, unrepentant, and local law enforcement recently decided not to arrest her for her role in Till's lynching and murder. IT NEVER STOPPED HAPPENING. This is why we need to protect educators' abilities to teach history.

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New Everywhere
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The reason it needs to be taught so badly is because these ideologies, practices and overarching systems have a way of morphing right before our eyes while we think (some) things are progressing. No it never stopped happening. Now that a lot of people are realizing that the current mutation is directly affecting them, I hope we can REALLY start to learn from the past. They ABSOLUTELY don't want us to do that. DO IT ANYWAY!

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Wilson.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jesus christ, what the f**k was going on in America this recently??!!!

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why Conservatives are making it illegal to teach this history: they don't want you to realize that they're the ones who did this s**t. If you haven't already contacted your local libraries and school board to support their providing inclusive books, do so now.

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦 (They/Them)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That look of pain on that ladies face. I'm scared we're going to go back to those days.

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We're already here. We have been from the moment Conservatives said Barack Obama was not an American citizen.

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DuchessDegu
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely disgusting waste of oxygen maggot "Brock, interviewed in 1999, stated that "I don't feel sorry for any of that stuff. I have nothing to be ashamed of."

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Miss Cris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shame. Also, I see there's at least a white man, too. Some people do't mind to hurt everybody, even "their" people, to hurt people they don't like.

ajshipway23 avatar
AJay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe it was an interracial family, that was what Brock really didn't like.

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GoGoPDX
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF is wrong with people!! Let's take a moment to acknowledge that this happened in 1964. There are many people still alive from thos time, and for people (I'm looking at you right wingers!) To say that rasicm doesn't exist anymore or that systemic racism is not a thing is such B******T!!

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Call Me Mars
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its sad as a black person to see photos like this today... and know that I have grown accustomed to the racism I face daily. Things like this have to change. Before, if somebody called me a name like stupid or dumb, I would have cried. Now, the worst anybody could call me that would hurt me is the N word. Thats what this word has come to.

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Smilodon, a Bad Cat
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet there exists a very large and vocal segment of the African American population that throws this term around like it's just another way to say "man" or "person". Which sort of defeats efforts to remove it from the American vocabulary. A former coworker told me his take was, well, if you call yourself that, that must be what you are. There is an unpleasant point in that statement, and I'm certain he isn't the only one thinking in this manner. Fûck Brock.

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Jonie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In 1964 my mother would take me to the city pool to play with the children of her friends. The ladies would sit under the umbrellas and smoke their long cigarettes. One day we were playing as usual and the Moms suddenly called us to quickly get out of the water. I can still remember the grip she had on my wrist as I cried and tried to pull away. She was livid and scaring me. A summer pastime that I loved was never again enjoyed. She would not let me swim and play with the black children that had been allowed to enter the pool. That one instance forever changed how I saw people, but not like she had intended.

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Douglas Tucker
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a thought: Many today may still think these out of line swimmers were part of a "Woke" crowd with James Brock doing the right thing as a strong member of the "OK" crowd that believes in keeping things the way they always have been regardless of the shame or pain.

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RafCo (he/him)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once pools were integrated, many communities in the north and south chose to pave over the public pools, rather than allow black people to swim with whites. This was the beginning of private pool ownership in the United States, moving away from community pools was a way of "protected white people" from black and brown people. The fact that this meant that poor (or simply not wealthy) white americans also lost access to swimming pools was considered to be acceptable, even by those white people who could not afford to build a private pool at their home. Basically, people are willing to hurt themselves, so long as it means hurting the "other". Because people are stupid

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Ronald Kucers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Assault and battery, occasioning grievous bodily harm- that's what that subhuman piece of s**t should have been charged with- but, of course he got off with nothing. America- this isn't long enough ago that you can sweep it under the rug, and recent events have shown that this kind of attitude still exists throughout America.

fixosaurus avatar
Ronald Kucers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Assault, battery occasioning actual injury- that's what that barely human turd should have been charged with . But of course, he got off with nothing........

armond_franklin1973 avatar
Ozymandias73
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a violent person, but wish someone would've poured that c**p down his throat! Acts like this infuriate me!

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Will J Dochartaigh
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s a shame the lowlife pouring acid couldn’t suffer the same but without the pool

jihana avatar
Jihana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never understood his reasoning. The racism is appalling, don't get me wrong there. But wasn't the goal to get the black people out in order to get the pool empty for the white guests? Since when are white people immune to acid baths? Guess it just shows that racists are really, really dumb. Seems his skin was way brighter than his mind.

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Conservative whites in America would burn a place to the ground before they shared it with nonwhites, liberals, people of color, queer people, and/or immigrants.

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Natalie H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes me sick. I hope they shoved his racist a$$ into the deep end of the pool when they got out.

llsewer avatar
Jaguarundi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

St. Augustine, Florida. The motel and pool are still there, just remodeled and re-named.

karmenta90 avatar
MeowMix
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My hometown - it's a very shameful part of our history which no one talks about

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Joseph Stillman
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

completely useless, the water would have cancelled out the acid

lizkalliebobo avatar
ELIZABETH A HIGBIE
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my 2nd time seeing this photo. This time I am noticing how the white man/boy is protecting attempting to pull the 2 black swimmers AWAY from the threat . Beautiful act of bravery , despite such an ugly incident!

nigelmcculloch avatar
Nigel McCulloch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm, couple of decades before untold millions killed fighting fascists/ racists, American was a slow learner!

anamac1210 avatar
Anne McKinney
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really f*****g hate people. Time to go live on an island by myself.

kjeffers18 avatar
Kathy Conley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can someone do this? I hope he suffered a horrific death!!

carlwatson avatar
Carl Watson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, it's a horrible thing to do, but being realistic, that amount of acid in a swimming pool would make virtually no difference to the Ph level. It's just a gesture.

nancybernard avatar
Nancy Bernard
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How incredibly cruel! What about the white kid playing with the Black girl in the pool? I guess he deserves it since he was mingling with this poor child.

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Jim Takahashi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not about this scumbag. It's about AmeriKKK, which is still alive and kicking. 3029141206...ed0040.jpg 30291412061f42b87a7cebaa16f8f343-63172e8ed0040.jpg

kikilv81 avatar
Olivia Mansfield
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another white christian who doesn't belong anywhere but in a meat grinder

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Nancy Doughty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is the white kid holding the black swimmers in place so they will get burned? Hope he got his share of the effects, too!

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Kathi Schäffer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And to think that 1964 wasn't actually that long ago... My parents were teenagers.

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Pamela Blue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, what a sociopath! There happen to be white people in there too. Did he think they wouldn't notice the acid? Sheesh!

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LynzCatastrophe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think I'll ever understand why people thought this way. Did they think dark skin was contagious or something?!

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L.a. Williams
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope he fell in probably not but that would be best insta karma

raena99 avatar
Raena Celis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't read further anymore. My day is ruined because humanity sucks

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Lisa H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would be awesome if someone pushed him in the pool.

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Jane Cortez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The tragedy of what hatred does to one’s soul and others. I wonder, if these perpetrators had the decency to suffer guilt and shame in the years to come? My heart breaks.

samuel-elmore10 avatar
Agent_fox77
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude this guy should go to jail dude race does not matter we where all created by god.god wanted us to be these colors and he won’t change it cause it is his creation these are gods creations and idiotic people are mocking them cause of there color just why

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mrsmir
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like those poor girls are actually being helped by that white boy, like they’re holding on to him while he swims them backwards! I wonder how James Brock felt seeing THAT happen. Ha!

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Chantou Dunord
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How awful ! Even if it is no longer our time, I will never understand this hatred.

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Anni
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the **^^??? That is so disturbing, sad, messed up. Beyond words.

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Aaron W
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen this photo many times, but never heard if anyone got hurt by it or not?

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TomasL
Community Member
1 year ago

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There are a lot of misguided, ignorant remarks on this posting. I realize that most viewers and commenters on B P are barely beyond puberty and have been brain washed by social media and far left educators at our inadequate schools but wake up and grow up.

dawnsardella-ayres avatar
Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wake up from what? Grow up to be what? I don't think you even know what you're saying.

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Thanatos Charles
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1 year ago

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Not defending the dude because I honestly don't know who he is.. but Muriatic acid (hydrogen chloride) is commonly used in pools, can't cause any harm outside of burny eyes as anyone with a freshly chlorinated pool would know.

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olx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bro my schools pool had to shut for a week when it was only a couple percent over the allowed concentration. shut your mouth and sit down.

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fapase
Community Member
1 year ago

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My Uncle Brayden just got a new cream Chevrolet Camaro Convertible by working part time off of a macbook air... view https://www.rich.slate74.comᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵᴵ

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It is important for us to be educated on the bleakest moments in history, so we can prevent them from being repeated. And while Germany has made an enormous effort to reconcile with the world following the events of World War II and to ensure their citizens are educated about the dangers of dictators and fascism, not every nation has learned to bring their darkest moments to light. In the United States, for example, everyone is taught about slavery in school, to an extent. But last year, Republican lawmakers in several US states filed bills attempting to cut funding to schools and colleges teaching lessons from the New York Times’ 1619 Project, curriculum which “aims to reframe the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the United States' national narrative”. Slavery is allowed to be taught in schools, but some lawmakers aim for it to be taught only through a specific and curated lens that paints the nation in the most flattering light.  

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#10

A Patient Undergoing Treatment For Mental Illness, Germany 1890

A Patient Undergoing Treatment For Mental Illness, Germany 1890

This 1890 photo depicts a woman forced into a crucifixion pose and facing a wall. The woman is a patient at a mental institution, undergoing treatment. Believe it or not, forced standing was considered a legitimate part of treatment for mental illness in 19th century Germany.

unknown Report

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Debbie Barnes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How would staring at a wall for hours on end, ever cure anything? It's the equivalent of doing nothing and expecting change...

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#11

Croatian Soldier In Front Of A Wall That Says "God If I Die Young Send Me To Heaven In Hell I Have Already Been"

Croatian Soldier In Front Of A Wall That Says "God If I Die Young Send Me To Heaven In Hell I Have Already Been"

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#12

George McLaurin, First African-American Student Admitted To The University Of Oklahoma, Forced To Sit Apart From White Students. 1948

George McLaurin, First African-American Student Admitted To The University Of Oklahoma, Forced To Sit Apart From White Students. 1948

toshiro-mifune , Library of Congress Report

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Frances M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But they let him in and the university dean was probably in serious danger himself as a result too.

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The 1619 Project, which was created by Nikole Hannah-Jones and first published in 2019, won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. It is a comprehensive guide featuring audio, essays, poems, graphics and visual art pieces that many Americans were not taught or exposed to from their traditional history books. But as race relations continue to be an issue in the United States, as racism persists against Black citizens even today, students (and adults for that matter) can certainly benefit from a more in-depth history lesson on slavery. Yet some people still want to gloss over the more shameful details of the nation’s past as to not acknowledge its wrongdoings. “Do we want historical facts and details that are researched and published by experts taught? Or do we want nationalism taught?” asks T. Jameson Brewer, an assistant professor at the University of North Georgia. “That’s a very scary sort of suggestion, that schools would engage in ideological nationalism for political needs.”

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#13

A Few Of The Thousands Of Wedding Rings The Nazis Removed From Holocaust Victims To Salvage The Gold

A Few Of The Thousands Of Wedding Rings The Nazis Removed From Holocaust Victims To Salvage The Gold

The U.S. troops found rings, watches, precious stones, eyeglasses, and gold fillings, near Buchenwald concentration camp. 1945 May 5.

Wikimedia Commons Report

#14

A Rescue Dog Is Transported Out Of The Debris Of The World Trade Center. The Twin Towers Of The Center Were Destroyed In A September 11 Terrorist Attack

A Rescue Dog Is Transported Out Of The Debris Of The World Trade Center. The Twin Towers Of The Center Were Destroyed In A September 11 Terrorist Attack

Preston Keres Report

#15

Martin Luther King Jr. With His Son, Pulling Up A Burnt Cross From The Front Lawn Of His Atlanta Home, April 1960

Martin Luther King Jr. With His Son, Pulling Up A Burnt Cross From The Front Lawn Of His Atlanta Home, April 1960

cnn.com Report

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Aaron W
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's amazing to see the USA circling back to where it was 60 years ago.

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Unfortunately, some states do push for patriotic education over the teaching of facts. In November 2020, Governor Reeves of Mississippi proposed spending $3 million on a ‘Patriotic Education Fund’ that would encourage schools and nonprofits to apply for funding to “educate the next generation on the incredible accomplishments of the American Way”. And if your impulse is to give Governor Reeves the benefit of the doubt, that maybe he just loves his country and did not mean that the way it sounds, you might be interested to know that one of the budget proposals stated, “Across the country, young children have suffered from indoctrination in far-left socialist teachings that emphasize America’s shortcomings over the exceptional achievements of this country.” Turning a blind eye to a nation's past mistakes is a surefire way to guarantee that they are repeated in the future, yet Governor Reeves does not seem concerned about that.

#16

Blanche Monnier Was A Woman From Poitiers, France, Who Was Secretly Kept Locked In A Small Room By Her Aristocratic Mother And Brother For 26 Years

Blanche Monnier Was A Woman From Poitiers, France, Who Was Secretly Kept Locked In A Small Room By Her Aristocratic Mother And Brother For 26 Years

She was eventually found by police, then middle-aged and in an emaciated and filthy condition; according to officials, Monnier had not seen any sunlight for her entire captivity.

Wikimedia Commons Report

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Mayra
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe she was locked away to keep her from marrying someone her mom didn’t approve of, so awful

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#17

A Photo Of Zyta Sus, One Of Hundreds Of Thousands Of Children Who Were Kidnapped By The Nazi Regime

A Photo Of Zyta Sus, One Of Hundreds Of Thousands Of Children Who Were Kidnapped By The Nazi Regime

After being deemed "desirable", she received a new identity and was given up for adoption. After the war, Zyta was taken to an orphanage. She never found her real family. 1942, Poland.

lightiggy Report

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K- THULU
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Used to work with an old polish guy , and this happened to him...he was deemed to be "aryan " enough and sent to germany, and ended up fighting in the army in the dying days of the war......luckily found his family when he returned to poland.....

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#18

A Japanese Family Returning Home (Seattle, Washington) From A Relocation Center Camp In Hunt, Idaho On May 10, 1945

A Japanese Family Returning Home (Seattle, Washington) From A Relocation Center Camp In Hunt, Idaho On May 10, 1945

HistoryInPics Report

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MonkeyInTheMiddle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can say that now, as a Washingtonian, we've accepted MANY cultures into our state, so at least it's changed. There are many Asian and Nordic cultures and families that live here specifically.

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We all know that sweeping issues under the rug does not make them disappear. Whether it’s an argument with our significant other that we’ve been avoiding out of fear of confrontation or the painful past of a nation, refusing to address a problem only exacerbates it. It may take time for history to repeat itself, but it naturally does, unless something is done to prevent it. “You cannot heal divisions by pretending they don’t exist,” says James Grossman, the executive director of the American Historical Association. “The way to address divisions is to understand the history of those divisions.” A great way to confront the most horrific parts of history is to see photos of them. It may feel like these events took place ages ago, but there is photographic evidence of them. We should not feel too far removed from any of these occurrences.

#19

Magdalene Asylums, Also Known As Magdalene Laundries. Places Of "Reform" For Women That Didn't Fit The Idea Of A Good Upstanding Citizen

Magdalene Asylums, Also Known As Magdalene Laundries. Places Of "Reform" For Women That Didn't Fit The Idea Of A Good Upstanding Citizen

The most well known ones were in Ireland. The women and girls were treated badly by asylum staff, most of whom were nuns.

Wikimedia Commons Report

#20

WWII Gas Masks For Babies

WWII Gas Masks For Babies

Throughout World War II, the threat of chemical warfare frightened citizens and soldiers across Europe. To prepare for a possible gas attack, civilians could have protected themselves with gas masks. But what about children and infants who were too small to wear a conventional mask? This eerie 1940 photograph shows nurses testing out new “gas masks” for babies.

Wikimedia Commons Report

#21

Father Luis Manuel Padilla Holds A Wounded Government Rifleman Shot Down In The Streets Of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

Father Luis Manuel Padilla Holds A Wounded Government Rifleman Shot Down In The Streets Of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

During a bloody revolt against President Betancourt in June 1962.

Hector Rondon , Through A Historic Lens Report

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Den Ver
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

50 years later - May 2022 - A Venezuelan priest denounced police killings. Now he could face prison. ... https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/a-venezuelan-priest-denounced-police

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Another reason photos like these are important for people to see is because they show the reality of a situation. Propaganda has run rampant in communities led by dictators like Hitler, but these photos tell the truth of what happened. Regardless of how many times Hitler used fear to create obedience or painted Jews as the enemy of the German people throughout propaganda, we know that he was the perpetrator of pure evil. Joseph Goebbels was also a key player in spreading Nazi propaganda and portraying Hitler as a strong, stable leader that Germany needed to become a powerful nation. He used a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, film, radio and posters to ensure his messages were spread. It is harrowing to hear that people were susceptible to such outlandish propaganda, but the evidence we can see today makes it abundantly clear that atrocities were taking place, regardless of what the leaders were saying.

#23

With Her Brother On Her Back, A War-Weary Korean Girl Tiredly Trudges By A Stalled M-26 Tank At Haengju, Korea. 1951-09-06

With Her Brother On Her Back, A War-Weary Korean Girl Tiredly Trudges By A Stalled M-26 Tank At Haengju, Korea. 1951-09-06

National Archives Report

#24

Mugshots Of Two Men Imprisoned For Having Intercourse With Each Other. Stockholm, Sweden In 1897

Mugshots Of Two Men Imprisoned For Having Intercourse With Each Other. Stockholm, Sweden In 1897

eam2468 Report

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Aussie Atheist
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's still illegal in some countries, some countries in force the death penalty

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Propaganda is still a tactic used around the world today. Vladimir Putin is one of the most blatant users of propaganda, as he claims that the war he is waging in Ukraine is a “special peacekeeping operation”. Materials being taught in Russian schools actually explicitly state that the operation is not a war. In fact, any websites mentioning the war as an invasion, attack or war will be blocked by Russia’s internet censor board. Russia is a frightening example of how propaganda and patriotism are being pushed to the citizens through propaganda, as 83% of the population reported in April 2022 that they support Putin. But those of us who have access to the facts of the situation cannot deny them. There are countless photos, videos and stories from civilians showing that this invasion was unprovoked and certainly not justified.

#25

Unknown Man During The Depression, Circa 1932

Unknown Man During The Depression, Circa 1932

surrenderdorothy Report

#26

Coal Miners In Belgium Crammed Into A Coal Mine Elevator, Coming Up After A Day Of Work, Circa 1900

Coal Miners In Belgium Crammed Into A Coal Mine Elevator, Coming Up After A Day Of Work, Circa 1900

reddit.com Report

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Miss Cris
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This still exist. Miners are in and from other countries. And their owners from USA,China, Europe ?including Belgium), etc. This is not (only) a pic from the past. Your mobile has minerals caved by these people.

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#27

The Earliest Known Picture Of The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, Taken Just Moments After The Meltdown And Explosion Of Unit 4 On April 26, 1986

The Earliest Known Picture Of The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, Taken Just Moments After The Meltdown And Explosion Of Unit 4 On April 26, 1986

This is believed to be the first photograph ever taken of the accident, and the only photo that survives from that morning. Igor Kostin was a photographer from Kiev who became world famous for his images of the the clean-up operation. Kostin claims the image is very noisy because radiation was destroying the film in his camera. Of all the shots he took on that flight, this is the only one that wasn't ruined.

Igor Kostin Report

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Jyri Hakola
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This cannot be just moments after. 1) disaster happened at night 2) there are no smoke so the graphite fire had been already extinguished

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We understand that this list is not as cheerful and fun as some of Bored Panda's other posts, but it is certainly an important one. Keep upvoting the photos that bring up moments in history you'd like all of your fellow pandas to be reminded of, and then let us know in the comments what dark moments in history always stick with you. And if you need something a bit lighter after finishing this heavy piece, you can check out another list featuring historical photographs right here.

#28

"Servants, Be Obedient To Your Masters" - The Bible Written For Caribbean Slaves. It Was Edited To Remove Any References To Freedom And To Send A Very Specific Message To Slaves

"Servants, Be Obedient To Your Masters" - The Bible Written For Caribbean Slaves. It Was Edited To Remove Any References To Freedom And To Send A Very Specific Message To Slaves

museumofBible Report

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Den Ver
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which of the Ten Commandments would be best replaced with a clearly stated ban on slavery (no images, don't take name in vain)?

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#29

Hungarian Jews Being Selected By Nazis To Be Sent To The Gas Chamber At Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Auschwitz Album 1944

Hungarian Jews Being Selected By Nazis To Be Sent To The Gas Chamber At Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Auschwitz Album 1944

Wikimedia Commons Report

#30

Instant Of Test Nuclear Detonation Captured By Harold Edgerton's Rapatronic Camera With Shutter Speed Of One Hundred Millionth Of A Second. Circa 1950s

Instant Of Test Nuclear Detonation Captured By Harold Edgerton's Rapatronic Camera With Shutter Speed Of One Hundred Millionth Of A Second. Circa 1950s

Automatic camera by Harold Edgerton situated 7 miles from blast with 10 foot lens. Shutter speed equaled 1/100,000,000 of a second exposure.

synternia , Harold Edgerton Report

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Becki Boop
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy gosh darn mother hecking shitake fudge. This is the scariest photo I've ever seen.

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#31

Omagh Bombing

Omagh Bombing

The red Vauxhall Cavalier contains the bomb. This photograph was taken shortly before the explosion; the camera was found afterward in the rubble. The man and child in the photo both survived.

Wesley Johnston Report

#32

"A Watch Stopped At 08:15 AM Found In Hiroshima". August 1945

"A Watch Stopped At 08:15 AM Found In Hiroshima". August 1945

tiggerclaw , abcnews Report

#33

An Ambulance Driver From The Indian Army Clenches His Hands, Indicating The Intense Pain In His Leg Which Has Been Almost Completely Blown Off. Korean War (1951)

An Ambulance Driver From The Indian Army Clenches His Hands, Indicating The Intense Pain In His Leg Which Has Been Almost Completely Blown Off. Korean War (1951)

revolutionbubbletea Report

#34

All Women And Girls Using Radium Paint With No Protection Or Warnings In 1922

All Women And Girls Using Radium Paint With No Protection Or Warnings In 1922

The radium girls were female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning from painting watch dials with self-luminous paint. After being told that the paint was harmless, the women in each facility ingested deadly amounts of radium after being instructed to "Point" their brushes on their lips in order to give them a fine tip. Some also painted their fingernails, face, and teeth with the glowing substance. 
 

Wikimedia Commons Report

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Francisco Scaramanga
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was not known then that radium was dangerous. Radium was popular until the early 1930s. It was commonly added not only to paint, but also to medicines, cosmetics, baby wool, condoms, toothpaste, sweets, etc.

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#36

Nurses In Their Bomb Trenches Between Hospital Wards. France 1918

Nurses In Their Bomb Trenches Between Hospital Wards. France 1918

pubwithnobeer , ajhydell.com Report

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#37

Nazi Rally Attended By The 20,000 Americans. Madison Square Garden, 1939

Nazi Rally Attended By The 20,000 Americans. Madison Square Garden, 1939

grittzcz , Marshall Curry Report

#38

Red Rebels Are Being Executed In Varkaus During The Insurrection In Finland In 1918

Red Rebels Are Being Executed In Varkaus During The Insurrection In Finland In 1918

Ivar Ekström Report

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SirWriteALot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I see a photo like this I wonder what goes through your mind, when you're facing certain death. I wonder, how you can stay still like that and not crumble down, fight, run or do something to save yourself. Horrible.

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#39

The Irrepressible Australians At Anzac. An Australian Bringing A Wounded Comrade To The Hospital. Dardanelles Campaign, Circa 1915

The Irrepressible Australians At Anzac. An Australian Bringing A Wounded Comrade To The Hospital. Dardanelles Campaign, Circa 1915

National Archives Catalog Report

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Gemma Nunn
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an Australian I would just like to say that the Anzacs were Australians and New Zealanders, our mates over the ditch deserve respect for their help during wars.

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#41

Captured Chinese Soldiers Beg For Their Lives Thinking That They Are Going To Be Executed, Korea 1951

Captured Chinese Soldiers Beg For Their Lives Thinking That They Are Going To Be Executed, Korea 1951

Worthy1 Report

#42

Rear View Of Woman Standing At Berlin Wall, In The West Sector, With Hands Raised. After Waiting Three Hours To See Her East Berlin Friends And Relatives

Rear View Of Woman Standing At Berlin Wall, In The West Sector, With Hands Raised. After Waiting Three Hours To See Her East Berlin Friends And Relatives

Dan Budnik Report

#43

A Scene At A London Railway Station Showing Troops Arriving While Kiddies Who Are Being Evacuated From London Leave

A Scene At A London Railway Station Showing Troops Arriving While Kiddies Who Are Being Evacuated From London Leave

Wikimedia Commons Report

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Ange Marsden
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandfather was evacuated to Canada with his 3 brothers for four years from when he was 13-17 years old. 2 brothers to a household in separate towns. My grandfather loved Canada for the rest of his life and now my brother lives there. Thanks Canada 🇨🇦

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#44

"Colored" Drinking Fountain From The Mid-20th Century With African-American Drinking

"Colored" Drinking Fountain From The Mid-20th Century With African-American Drinking

Russell Lee Report

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OmBoyGanesh
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Person misread the the sign and is now banned from BP. Downvotes are a way to police people being inappropriate, not confused or ignorant to the subject matter. Think Facebook has a problem with being an echo chamber & confirmation bias??? On BoredPanda, the users get to perma-ban you from the site if you have a dissenting opinion or misunderstand. 10 downvotes = week suspension. 20 = user banned.

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#45

Flash Burns On Steps Of Sumitomo Bank Company, Hiroshima Branch

Flash Burns On Steps Of Sumitomo Bank Company, Hiroshima Branch

Wikimedia Commons Report

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Helen Waight
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never again. We have considerably more powerful nukes now that can do even more horror and frankly any nation with them should have to see all the images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Never again should a nuclear weapon be used.

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#47

The Ku Klux Klan On Parade Down Pennsylvania Avenue, 1928

The Ku Klux Klan On Parade Down Pennsylvania Avenue, 1928

Wikimedia Commons Report

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Sheepdude
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at all those dunce hats Edit: First off, how did this get more likes than the actual post?! Second of all, f**k off @ben you racist bigoted shitbag, how about you go drive off a cliff in your red, un-muffled, crappy a*s pickup. Oh and don't forget to finger trump's a*s before you do.

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#48

Adolf Hitler And His Entourage Walk Near The Eiffel Tower In Paris On June 23, 1940, Following The Occupation Of France By The Nazis

Adolf Hitler And His Entourage Walk Near The Eiffel Tower In Paris On June 23, 1940, Following The Occupation Of France By The Nazis

Wikimedia Commons Report

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Chich
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IIRC, workers cut the cables so he couldn't ride up the tower :)

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#49

Ku Klux Klan Parade 9/13/26

Ku Klux Klan Parade 9/13/26

National Photo Company Collection Report

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Aryaan Kasi
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry I am a non-American don't know much about US history.. Were these parades allowed by the Government at that time or was this just a show of force towards the Government?

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#50

Children Of An Eastern Suburb Of London, Who Have Been Made Homeless By German Bombings, Sit Outside The Wreckage Of What Was Their Home, September 1940

Children Of An Eastern Suburb Of London, Who Have Been Made Homeless By German Bombings, Sit Outside The Wreckage Of What Was Their Home, September 1940

Wikimedia Commons Report

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Ange Marsden
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandma had no childhood photos because they lost them in the bombings, it's like her life didn't exist before the age of 18

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Note: this post originally had 92 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.