Noam Chomsky's book "World Orders, Old and New" critiques the tendency to selectively interpret historical facts, which he argues distracts from the true complexities of global events. He suggests that this selective interpretation often leads to concepts such as 'moral equivalence' or 'political correctness' that can hinder genuine understanding of historical contexts.

Chomsky emphasizes that these hindrances are designed to protect individuals from grappling with uncomfortable truths. By critiquing these defensive mechanisms, he advocates for a deeper engagement with history that allows for a more nuanced insight into the world's realities.