When I studied history which was a long time ago it was quite clear that everything was being presented from a single perspective. That wasn't just of a single race or a single nationality but of a particular section of the English population who were broadly representative of establishment interests. I'm pleased so say that has changed and we look at the subject in a way that makes it both more complex and interesting and taking into account voices that haven't been heard. Black History Month has certainly played a part in it but it is also the case that there have been huge advances in studies of Scottish, Welsh, Irish, minority religions and regional history. Every child in a British primary school now learns about Mary Seacole.
However, there is a danger of going too far with this. Different perspectives are vital but if you try and include every perspective in the study of history there is a danger of losing sight of the bigger picture. We need to ensure that as many of our children as possible grow up knowing the essential facts about the Reformation, the Civil War, the formation of the United Kingdom, British Imperialism and the two world wars.
Tony Church ● 2030d