“But the case for promoting patriotism in schools is weak.”
“Patriotism is love of one’s country, but are countries really appropriate objects of love? Loving things can be bad for us, for example when the things we love are morally corrupt.”
“Since all national histories are at best morally ambiguous, it’s an open question whether citizens should love their countries.”
Honestly, these PC pudding-brains are going to be the death of freedom everywhere. There is absolutely nothing wrong with teaching the reality of history, balanced and complete, without the multi-culti crap and feel-good pablum on which the leftists thrive.
The fabric of history is woven with many threads. Leaving some out because we may offend someone is simple BS. The reality of history is just that...reality. Get over it.
The history of the world is one of conquest, with significant portions of subjugation and even genocide. The history of the world also includes amazing examples of music, art, scientific advances fueled by the imagination of the mind God gave us. Mankind has been free to choose the path of history. We have not always chosen wisely. But to deny the realities of history is just ridiculous, and dooms the future to repeat the past.
British history includes the Magna Carta, the foundational document for all the free states to follow. British history includes colonialism, without which a large portion of the world would still be scared by the electric light bulb. Can you find examples of excess in that history? Absolutely. But, thosse excesses are clearly the exception, not the rule. Are there elements of history for which the Brits should feel some sense of responsibility? Very likely. Should those be swept under the rug in the interest of being PC? Absolutely NOT. Remembrance precludes duplication, in a civil society.
Foster love of country? Hear! Hear! An absolutely stellar concept. Fostering patriotism and a sense national identity and national pride is a good thing. It provides a common foundation on which to build a dynamic future. Does it lead to intolerance? Doubtful. Tolerance does not mean blind appeasement; but, tolerance must be mutual. And, sad to say, in today’s world mutual tolerance is in short supply. Stop apologizing for patriotism. Patriotism is a good thing...a wonderful thing.
Well-stated, superbly implemented, thank you :-)