Majority of teachers dismiss proposed lessons in patriotism as “brainwashing”, research reveals
Three-quarters of teachers believe they should point out the dangers of patriotism to their pupils, rather than merely inculcating love of Queen and country, new research has revealed.
Many feel that patriotism is “brainwashing”, preferring instead a John Lennon approach that emphasises universal humanity and the brotherhood of man.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has spoken out in favour of teaching pupils to be patriotic, claiming that lessons in Britishness should be incorporated into the curriculum.
Drs Joanne Pearce and Michael Hand, from the Institute of Education at the University of London, surveyed history and citizenship teachers from 20 secondaries, as well as almost 300 pupils, on their attitudes to patriotism in the classroom.
While more than half of teachers and pupils agreed that patriotic sentiment was a good thing, the majority felt that schools should offer a balanced reflection of all viewpoints.
And 74 per cent of teachers believed it was their duty to point out the danger of patriotic sentiments.
“Praising patriotism excludes non-British pupils,” one teacher said. “Patriotism about being British … divides groups along racial lines, when we aim to bring pupils to an understanding of what makes us the same.”
In fact, most interviewees felt that the role of school was to promote more cosmopolitan forms of identification. “We shouldn’t be promoting patriotism,” one teacher said. “We should be promoting universal brotherhood.” Another added: “I think we should identify as humans.”
Teachers also acknowledged that individuals had the right to choose their own role models, British or otherwise, as anything else would qualify as brainwashing.
One citizenship teacher said: “I don’t think you should be grooming children to be patriotic. That’s as bad as telling everyone that they’ve got to be a certain religion … I am not going to brainwash anyone.”
Even teachers who wanted schools to promote patriotism tended to qualify their arguments. One history teacher commented: “I think it’s an unavoidable human condition that you identify with a group … So to promote it in a positive way is OK, but not jingoistic flag-waving.”
Pupils were equally unenthusiastic. Many felt that they should be allowed to form their own opinions on the matter. One said: “If people want to be patriotic, then let them. Don’t dissuade them nor persuade them.”
Nonetheless, two-thirds of teachers said that they encouraged discussion of patriotism in their classrooms. But this often passed pupils by: more than half said that patriotism was never discussed at school.
The researchers suggest this may be because the subject is often tackled implicitly, without explicit use of the word “patriotic”. Many teachers incorporate the topic into lessons on the First or Second World Wars, or on human rights and democracy.
And they were unconcerned about pressure from the Government to do otherwise. One interviewee said: “I reckon teachers are the greatest profession in the world when it comes to subverting anything the Government puts before them.”
However, the researchers argue that vast areas of history and politics would be incomprehensible without some understanding of the power of patriotic sentiment. They, therefore, suggest that pupils should be made aware of the principle arguments for and against love of one’s country.
“Schools have a responsibility to ensure that students not only understand the phenomenon of patriotism, but are equipped to make reasoned judgments about the place it should occupy in their own emotional lives,” they said.
Patriot act
Teach patriotism as a topic in its own right, rather than as part of a broader discussion.
Respond positively when the topic is raised by pupils.
Know the arguments for and against patriotic attachment.
Challenge easy consensus and uncritical views.
Correct factual errors.
Be sensitive, because national identities are often intertwined with race, ethnicity and religion.
Be aware of influencing pupils unintentionally through body language or humorous asides.
Show pupils that they need not be passive victims of their emotions.
Be aware of the possibility of multiple patriotic attachments.
Monday, 14 September 2009
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Bullfighter's book signings called off over 'threats'
I think Waterstones are wrong bowing to this pressure. It stops freedom of speech and an individuals right. Thanks to the MEN for highlighting the story.
SALFORD bullfighter Frank Evans has criticised animal rights campaigners after Waterstone's cancelled all promotion of his autobiography following what he says were threats.
The 67-year-old was due to attend book signings at Waterstone's in Liverpool and Manchester on September 16, with tickets costing £3.
The firm received letters which said the events would glamorise the "cruel, violent spectacle" of bullfighting. Mr Evans said the store's staff also received threats because of his planned appearances.
The bullfighter, who is known as "El Ingles" in the ring, said: "There are a minority of people who are violently opposed to what I do.
"I do not want the store's staff to be in danger so it is not Waterstone's I am angry at.
"These extremists are quite sinister and are trying to suppress literature. We have a democracy and this is almost like the Nazis burning books."
His autobiography The Last British Bullfighter chronicles his four decades in the bull ring.
It details his recent comeback four years after he retired on doctor's orders, due to a quadruple heart bypass and replacement knee surgery.
A spokesman for Waterstone's said: "In the best interests of our customers and staff, Waterstone's decided to cancel the two Last British Bullfighter events.
"No further events related to the book are planned and full refunds will be given."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), the Born Free Foundation and the League Against Cruel Sports were among the animal rights groups which wrote to the book firm.
Peta spokeswoman Poorva Joshipura had contacted the company's events organiser saying bullfighting is "a cruel, violent spectacle that is illegal in the UK."
On hearing the decision to cancel the signings, she said: "Bravo to Waterstone's for distancing itself from the sadistic cruelty and gore of bullfighting.
"There is nothing brave or admirable about anyone who participates in or pays to watch a violent spectacle in which the bull always loses."
Mr Evans, a grandfather-of-five, killed two half-ton bulls and won a standing ovation on his comeback in Benalmadena, Spain on August 30.
He has received several death threats from animal activists, and a post office intercepted a letter bomb with his name on it several years ago, he added.
SALFORD bullfighter Frank Evans has criticised animal rights campaigners after Waterstone's cancelled all promotion of his autobiography following what he says were threats.
The 67-year-old was due to attend book signings at Waterstone's in Liverpool and Manchester on September 16, with tickets costing £3.
The firm received letters which said the events would glamorise the "cruel, violent spectacle" of bullfighting. Mr Evans said the store's staff also received threats because of his planned appearances.
The bullfighter, who is known as "El Ingles" in the ring, said: "There are a minority of people who are violently opposed to what I do.
"I do not want the store's staff to be in danger so it is not Waterstone's I am angry at.
"These extremists are quite sinister and are trying to suppress literature. We have a democracy and this is almost like the Nazis burning books."
His autobiography The Last British Bullfighter chronicles his four decades in the bull ring.
It details his recent comeback four years after he retired on doctor's orders, due to a quadruple heart bypass and replacement knee surgery.
A spokesman for Waterstone's said: "In the best interests of our customers and staff, Waterstone's decided to cancel the two Last British Bullfighter events.
"No further events related to the book are planned and full refunds will be given."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), the Born Free Foundation and the League Against Cruel Sports were among the animal rights groups which wrote to the book firm.
Peta spokeswoman Poorva Joshipura had contacted the company's events organiser saying bullfighting is "a cruel, violent spectacle that is illegal in the UK."
On hearing the decision to cancel the signings, she said: "Bravo to Waterstone's for distancing itself from the sadistic cruelty and gore of bullfighting.
"There is nothing brave or admirable about anyone who participates in or pays to watch a violent spectacle in which the bull always loses."
Mr Evans, a grandfather-of-five, killed two half-ton bulls and won a standing ovation on his comeback in Benalmadena, Spain on August 30.
He has received several death threats from animal activists, and a post office intercepted a letter bomb with his name on it several years ago, he added.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Discover Salford’s hidden heritage
Discover Salford’s hidden heritage
Ever wondered what's hidden behind the windows, walls and roofs of Salford's oldest and most intriguing buildings?
Heritage Open Days: Thursday 10 - Sunday 13 September 2009
The national project Heritage Open Days invites you inside a whole range of enchanting and enthralling venues not normally open to the public.
And in Salford we’ve actually declared the whole of September as Heritage Month giving you 30 days of other great events and activities including walks, canal cruises, guided tours, museum visits and much more.
Join us for a celebration of the city's rich and diverse heritage and enjoy Heritage Open Days and our Local History Fair and Family Fun Day too.
There's so much to see and discover about the city's fascinating past and best of all, it's FREE!
Full line up of events
Ever wondered what's hidden behind the windows, walls and roofs of Salford's oldest and most intriguing buildings?
Heritage Open Days: Thursday 10 - Sunday 13 September 2009
The national project Heritage Open Days invites you inside a whole range of enchanting and enthralling venues not normally open to the public.
And in Salford we’ve actually declared the whole of September as Heritage Month giving you 30 days of other great events and activities including walks, canal cruises, guided tours, museum visits and much more.
Join us for a celebration of the city's rich and diverse heritage and enjoy Heritage Open Days and our Local History Fair and Family Fun Day too.
There's so much to see and discover about the city's fascinating past and best of all, it's FREE!
Full line up of events
Monday, 7 September 2009
Save General Election Night!
Save General Election Night!
Category:
Common Interest - Beliefs & Causes
Description:
The future of General Election Night is under threat.As the Sunday Times reported on Sunday 6th September - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6823320.ece - increasing numbers of councils are planning on counting the votes cast on the Friday morning rather than the Thursday night.The Sunday Times suggests that as many as a quarter of local authorities could end up holding a Friday count. The paper names Newcastle-upon-Tyne as a prime example, but it is understood that much of Norfolk, West Yorkshire and maybe all of Cornwall could count on the Friday, with it under consideration in a number of other areas, including much of North West England.This cross-party campaign, started by political blogger Jonathan Isaby of ConservativeHome with the support of Labour MP Tom Harris and Mark pack of Lib Dem Voice - is for all those - candidates, political activists, broadcasters, journalists and voters alike - who oppose this development.Here are a few reasons why you might support the campaign:*We want to know who won as soon as possible*Quite simply, once the polling stations have closed we want to know the result as soon as possible. And this argument holds on two levels. Firstly, on a constituency level, but more significantly on a national level: if the general election is going to be close, then it is possible that if lots of seats are not counting until Friday - especially marginals - then we will not know who is going to be Prime Minister, form the Government etc until Friday lunchtime.*It would be a backward step*In the digital 24-hour media age when we are used to getting news quicker than ever before, it would be a backward step to delay election counts. If anything, we should be seeking to persuade the few constituencies which historically count on a Friday to bring their counts forward to Thursday night.*Fewer people will be able to follow the results coming in*Sitting around the television into the early hours is an election night ritual for people across the land, many of whom do not perhaps follow politics closely on a daily basis. But if there are fewer results to announce - and the potential of not getting a national result to boot - they are less likely to bother tuning in and when the remaining constituencies declare and the national result becomes apparent on the Friday, anyone at work is not going to be able to witness the climax of the electoral process.*The TV coverage of the election will suffer*The outside broadcasts (OBs) at counts up and down the country have provided many a memorable moment over they years, and they bring the results to life. However, the reason why broadcasters are able to provide such a variety of OBs is that there is no other call on the satellite trucks and outside broadcast units during the night. If there were an increasing number of counts on Friday during the day, fewer of them would have cameras present, thereby reducing the ability of the broadcasters to give full coverage of the results.*It's a tradition, dammit*The traditional British way of doing elections is to have people come out to vote and then count the ballot papers immediately afterwards. It's how we do it and what we're used to.*Threats to the integrity of the ballot*Security is a less important concern, but worth a mention all the same. Some of us might be just a little uncomfortable about increasing millions of ballot papers being left overnight before being counted.HOW YOU CAN HELPPlease contact your local council (most likely the electoral registration department or Chief Executive's office) to discover when the votes for your constituency at the general election will be counted.If it's definitely Thursday, message Jonathan Isaby (the group's admin, right) and a list of confirmed Thursday counts will be posted in the latest news section below.If your council indicates that it will be counting on Friday or that it is yet to be decided, again, please let Jonathan Isaby know so that it can be posted below, but please also lobby your local councillors and council leader to urge them to count the votes on the Thursday night.Together we can save General Election Night!
Category:
Common Interest - Beliefs & Causes
Description:
The future of General Election Night is under threat.As the Sunday Times reported on Sunday 6th September - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6823320.ece - increasing numbers of councils are planning on counting the votes cast on the Friday morning rather than the Thursday night.The Sunday Times suggests that as many as a quarter of local authorities could end up holding a Friday count. The paper names Newcastle-upon-Tyne as a prime example, but it is understood that much of Norfolk, West Yorkshire and maybe all of Cornwall could count on the Friday, with it under consideration in a number of other areas, including much of North West England.This cross-party campaign, started by political blogger Jonathan Isaby of ConservativeHome with the support of Labour MP Tom Harris and Mark pack of Lib Dem Voice - is for all those - candidates, political activists, broadcasters, journalists and voters alike - who oppose this development.Here are a few reasons why you might support the campaign:*We want to know who won as soon as possible*Quite simply, once the polling stations have closed we want to know the result as soon as possible. And this argument holds on two levels. Firstly, on a constituency level, but more significantly on a national level: if the general election is going to be close, then it is possible that if lots of seats are not counting until Friday - especially marginals - then we will not know who is going to be Prime Minister, form the Government etc until Friday lunchtime.*It would be a backward step*In the digital 24-hour media age when we are used to getting news quicker than ever before, it would be a backward step to delay election counts. If anything, we should be seeking to persuade the few constituencies which historically count on a Friday to bring their counts forward to Thursday night.*Fewer people will be able to follow the results coming in*Sitting around the television into the early hours is an election night ritual for people across the land, many of whom do not perhaps follow politics closely on a daily basis. But if there are fewer results to announce - and the potential of not getting a national result to boot - they are less likely to bother tuning in and when the remaining constituencies declare and the national result becomes apparent on the Friday, anyone at work is not going to be able to witness the climax of the electoral process.*The TV coverage of the election will suffer*The outside broadcasts (OBs) at counts up and down the country have provided many a memorable moment over they years, and they bring the results to life. However, the reason why broadcasters are able to provide such a variety of OBs is that there is no other call on the satellite trucks and outside broadcast units during the night. If there were an increasing number of counts on Friday during the day, fewer of them would have cameras present, thereby reducing the ability of the broadcasters to give full coverage of the results.*It's a tradition, dammit*The traditional British way of doing elections is to have people come out to vote and then count the ballot papers immediately afterwards. It's how we do it and what we're used to.*Threats to the integrity of the ballot*Security is a less important concern, but worth a mention all the same. Some of us might be just a little uncomfortable about increasing millions of ballot papers being left overnight before being counted.HOW YOU CAN HELPPlease contact your local council (most likely the electoral registration department or Chief Executive's office) to discover when the votes for your constituency at the general election will be counted.If it's definitely Thursday, message Jonathan Isaby (the group's admin, right) and a list of confirmed Thursday counts will be posted in the latest news section below.If your council indicates that it will be counting on Friday or that it is yet to be decided, again, please let Jonathan Isaby know so that it can be posted below, but please also lobby your local councillors and council leader to urge them to count the votes on the Thursday night.Together we can save General Election Night!
Proud Pals of Salford to say thanks in final parade
Saw this on The Bury Times website. I think Salfordians should come out in force to honour them.
NEARLY 100 years ago Lord Kitchener, the then prime minister of England, our great country, asked for volunteers to join and fight the Kaiser of Germany.
The call was answered far and wide from men working the coal mines, mills and every walk of life.
The men from Salford and surrounding areas of Manchester, Liverpool, St Helens and many, many more localities were known as The Salford Pals.
Many were brothers, cousins, fathers and sons. They wore a badge called “The Lancashire Fusiliers xx”. They later added to the badge a primrose hackle.
These men from 1914 were very proud of their regiment and although disbanded in the 1960s, they are still highly recognised by the grandsons and in some cases great grandsons who succeeded them. We say “Once a fusilier always a fusilier.”
The greatest honour we hold was seven VCs before breakfast — “Unfortunately the cook overslept.” We stand proud in the city. In September 1947 we were given the freedom of the city.
On November 11, 2009, the last of the Pals of Salford men of The Lancashire Fusiliers xx will reunite. Seventy men in total will gather for the very last time.
These men will proudly parade down The Crescent on the Cenotaph of Salford to say thank you to all those people who fought and fell, not only The Lancashire Fusiliers but civilians, and members of the Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance Service and all who stood proud against all odds to protect our great country.
So the time has come for the Pals of Salford not to say goodbye but to stand at ease as the end of the road is drawing near for many of the Pals of Salford, The men of The Lancashrie Fusiliers.
So why not join us for this final heartfelt parade and allow us to say good night and God bless
NEARLY 100 years ago Lord Kitchener, the then prime minister of England, our great country, asked for volunteers to join and fight the Kaiser of Germany.
The call was answered far and wide from men working the coal mines, mills and every walk of life.
The men from Salford and surrounding areas of Manchester, Liverpool, St Helens and many, many more localities were known as The Salford Pals.
Many were brothers, cousins, fathers and sons. They wore a badge called “The Lancashire Fusiliers xx”. They later added to the badge a primrose hackle.
These men from 1914 were very proud of their regiment and although disbanded in the 1960s, they are still highly recognised by the grandsons and in some cases great grandsons who succeeded them. We say “Once a fusilier always a fusilier.”
The greatest honour we hold was seven VCs before breakfast — “Unfortunately the cook overslept.” We stand proud in the city. In September 1947 we were given the freedom of the city.
On November 11, 2009, the last of the Pals of Salford men of The Lancashire Fusiliers xx will reunite. Seventy men in total will gather for the very last time.
These men will proudly parade down The Crescent on the Cenotaph of Salford to say thank you to all those people who fought and fell, not only The Lancashire Fusiliers but civilians, and members of the Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance Service and all who stood proud against all odds to protect our great country.
So the time has come for the Pals of Salford not to say goodbye but to stand at ease as the end of the road is drawing near for many of the Pals of Salford, The men of The Lancashrie Fusiliers.
So why not join us for this final heartfelt parade and allow us to say good night and God bless
Friday, 4 September 2009
Cameron rewards Hannan for his attacks on the NHS with a plum job
Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Health Secretary, said has hit out at news that Daniel Hannan, the Conservative MEP who called the NHS a “60 year mistake”, has been given a leading role by David Cameron.
Following his renewed attack on the NHS during a series of interviews in August 2009, Daniel Hannan has now been rewarded with a position on the Tory frontbench in Europe – the first time he has held an official party position. His new appointment as the party’s spokesman on legal affairs also means he will represent the Conservative Party on an important Parliamentary committee.
Andy Burnham said:
“David Cameron is happy to deride Tory MEP Daniel Hannan in front of the cameras and claim that his views are not the true face of the Tory Party. But privately Cameron rewards Hannan for his attacks on the NHS with a plum job on his frontbench in the European Parliament.
“Will the real David Cameron please stand up?”
Following his renewed attack on the NHS during a series of interviews in August 2009, Daniel Hannan has now been rewarded with a position on the Tory frontbench in Europe – the first time he has held an official party position. His new appointment as the party’s spokesman on legal affairs also means he will represent the Conservative Party on an important Parliamentary committee.
Andy Burnham said:
“David Cameron is happy to deride Tory MEP Daniel Hannan in front of the cameras and claim that his views are not the true face of the Tory Party. But privately Cameron rewards Hannan for his attacks on the NHS with a plum job on his frontbench in the European Parliament.
“Will the real David Cameron please stand up?”
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Wage Concern update
Hello,
I trust you're keeping well. Thanks for supporting our Wage Concern campaign to defend the National Minimum Wage.
I thought you might like to a listen to the excellent Radio 4 documentary on the Minimum Wage.
It's called 'The Minimum Wage - Where Did It All Go Right.' You can listen to it here
I think it'll put a smile on your face. It did me! My good friend Rodney Bickerstaffe is brilliant on it.
Remember, the Tories were shamed by you into puling their 'Employment Opportunites Bill' to effectively scrap the National Minimum Wage. But it comes back before the House on October 16th.
Don't worry - we'll be reminding the media and the public about this when the time comes. Please forward this email to any friends who might want to join our campaign. The website is still up and you can still sign our petition.
Once again, thanks for all your help,
Yours,
John Prescott
I trust you're keeping well. Thanks for supporting our Wage Concern campaign to defend the National Minimum Wage.
I thought you might like to a listen to the excellent Radio 4 documentary on the Minimum Wage.
It's called 'The Minimum Wage - Where Did It All Go Right.' You can listen to it here
I think it'll put a smile on your face. It did me! My good friend Rodney Bickerstaffe is brilliant on it.
Remember, the Tories were shamed by you into puling their 'Employment Opportunites Bill' to effectively scrap the National Minimum Wage. But it comes back before the House on October 16th.
Don't worry - we'll be reminding the media and the public about this when the time comes. Please forward this email to any friends who might want to join our campaign. The website is still up and you can still sign our petition.
Once again, thanks for all your help,
Yours,
John Prescott
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