The Other G.K. (not Chesterton)
Fascinating article about the rehabilitation of Genghis Kahn that is taking place in Mongolia. A country that engages in ancestor worship, the other G.K. is revered by some Mongols as a god. A world anxious to curry favor with Mongolia (a beautiful land rich in resources) is helping the Genghis rehab. Link. Excerpts:
Evidence of a renewed romance with Genghis Khan is everywhere. Children, streets, hotels, vodka, cigarettes, banks, candy bars, beer, products and businesses of almost every type all carry his name; his face is on Mongolian money, stamps and official buildings, and is spray-painted on street corners.
Genghis Khan's comeback 778 years after his death is especially popular with young people. One of the country's top bands, Black Rose, sings his praises in anthems that combine raspy rock vocals with traditional Mongolian throat singing.
Though it is estimated that Genghis Khan killed about 40 million people across Asia and Europe, some researchers cite evidence that Genghis Khan might have exaggerated his massacres.
If the efforts to revive the 800-year-old conqueror succeed, that'll cut in half the names folks on the left use to describe folks on the right (Hitler being the other).
