AS a former teacher of history I welcome the news that North Lanarkshire Council have voted to include the unexpurgated history of the British empire into the history curriculum for its schools (Country’s biggest anti-racism step given the green light, August 18).
History curricula have avoided confronting unpleasant domestic subjects too often in the past, with the result that many people still view topics like the growth of the British empire overtly positively and emphasise the tired, jaundiced narrative of romantic conquest and glory that resulted in enlightenment and advancement for those peoples lucky enough to be conquered by them.
READ MORE: ‘Scotland’s biggest anti-racism step’ in North Lanarkshire given green light
History teachers in North Lanarkshire will now have the opportunity to examine the real story of empire, not simply an Anglo-centric chronicle. Young learners may be informed of the often immoral nature of empire-building in general and of the roots and effects of slavery on the people of subjugated nations.
This will, without doubt, help young people to understand the nature and context of racism, discrimination and inequality, both at home and in the world generally. It will develop them as more responsible citizens, deepen their empathy and humanity and encourage them to be increasingly tolerant and inclusive in the future.
Historian Tony Judt’s words could not be more apposite in this case – “the historian’s task is not to disrupt for the sake of it, but it is to tell what is almost always an uncomfortable story and explain why the discomfort is part of the truth we need to live properly in our society.”
North Lanarkshire’s courageous decision to teach “uncomfortable truths” is to be lauded and I hope local authorities throughout Scotland will follow their example in the months ahead.
Owen Kelly
Stirling
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