A Scot's view of how little Scots are taught of their own history

[Benning Boy]

When in Germany I found the locals I asked about one of my great grandfather's era, when Bismark was in power, and quite a few more well off Prussians emigrated to America, the Germans I spoke with had very little idea about the history of their country in those days. Indeed they seemed to know little of the days before 1945. I learned more in an American high school world history class than they had.

Today American high school kids seem to know next to nothing of their own history. I have yet to meet one who could pass a citizenship test. I slid through my 8th grade American history class based on what I had learned in grade school.

Scots aren't the only ones not learning their history today.

[ThistleDown]

But BB, those who were interviewed by the blogger were late middle-aged. In their early school years they had been taught about UK history (not Scottish). They know who Prince Charlie was, but nothing about the Jacobites. I think that was a point the blogger was making. The Scots are an exceptionally well-educated people, but their education has been focused on their Nation as just a part of the United Kingdom (read 'England', if you wish). Germany is a different case and not to be compared.

[Madadh]

US history is being changed and not taught.

[Nomad]

I would have to agree that I remember being taught very little about Scotland's history, it was all about the history of Great Britain and worldwide events aka Christopher Columbus etc. I won't say that this was all bad, but thinking back it does seem strange that we were taught so little about our own country which had such a colourful past.

I guess some may think that this was a deliberate ploy to reduce the friction that still existed between the Scots/English even in the 1970s, but if it was, it didn't work that well as the rivalry and shenanigans that happened around sporting events of that era demonstrates.

[macmanjim]

US history is being changed and not taught.

History is always subject to interpretation. Shoot, even science changes as our understanding does, but with science I expect more objectivity. That said, general narratives have always exists and are at the whim of the dominating culture of the times. If you want to know about a particular time period, read accounts from the bottom up. The truth is out there for those that want to know.