I know there are some things more important - like language study and maths or whatever, but seriously - HISTORY! Is it possible to consider NOT making its' teaching compulsory? I'm so shocked. And don't people know that history is not History? School history studies were so inadequate when I was at school - particularly Australian and Asian history - I would just have assumed it was better now. It's critical that kids leave school knowing the history of their area, their culture, language, and their nation. Sweet jesus.
Also - rant over - here's a reason to walk home - two guys in a computer shop having a thumb war. So funny. They were laughing so hard. And I bumped into a Dad from my school. He is the only Dad I know - he wrote me a letter asking me to give special attention to his kid whose English (and Korean) is hopeless. His kid has a perm and frequently wears micro shorts to kinder. No kidding.
13 comments:
Word, so many people are clueless about basic australian historical facts, let alone events and movements and ideologies that are up for historical debate.
I think people are just afraid that if Howard gets his way history in schools will have a strong political agenda. And thats what we don't want to see.
Word. I get upset by the lack of knowledge of the political process too - and how this was created and what it means.
Word. I don't want the Simpson's donkey version of Strayn History either, and yeah, that is what Howard et al want. But NO history? Come off it.
Sorry about the "words". I have just been posting a rap forum..
Yeah, NO history would be a fucking disgrace and if it does eventuate that way I sincerely hope you will join me on a nationwide punching spree.
Word. On Sunday I'm gonna go to the Filipino market here and be greeted ONLY by 'wat up?'. Word.
(Yes, punching spree... Though I must admit I usually prefer punching undies.)
If we dont understand history then the same mistakes will be made.
So if you dont teach history to kids you can justify the absurdities of the current world (like war) to them without consequence or questioning. Then the govenments can do whatever they please...
School had bugger all history when I was there too, its shocking and should be remedied. I am still trying to catch up.
I agree with Dave Mack that it could be used as a political tool though, scary!
Word. Punching undies!
And I realise that is the shittest comment possible to make to a post on a topic I feel so passionately about... (the teaching of history, that is, although undie punching holds its own) too many thoughts, frustrations, angers...
punching undies????
Bebe - you know the punching undies reference was just for you... you expert you! Punched your way around the world recently, eh?
Dave... Think about it... It's so much fun! And it's alllll about love.
yes bonnie, i knew, i knew. since writing that though i have been alerted to one example of our fucked historical awareness, or the political agenda behind its coverage in the media - today I've heard several reminders in the news that it's the anniversary of the Long Tan battle in Vietnam, but none that it's also the anniversary of Vincent Lingiari leading the Wave Hill walk-off. I know the ABC mentioned it, but as for mainstream media....simpsons donkey, eat your heart out...
I agree, the teaching of history is vital. (Unfortunately I can never remember historical facts though as I have a memory like a sieve)
Hang on... the child has a PERM? Is that legal???
No shit, Rowena, it's almost a rule that you gotta give your kids perms here, about 10 % of my kindergarten boys have perms.
Ohhh JC, thanks for the reminder on what's what.
Gather round people let me tell you a story
An eight year-long story of power and pride
British Lord Vestey and Vincent Lingiari
Were opposite men on opposite sides
Post a Comment