Almost seven in 10 British people want their children taught about colonialism, injustice and the role of the British Empire as part of the national curriculum for U.K. schools, according to a survey.
A survey of around 2,700 British adults conducted by YouGov, a private British internet-based market research firm, found that 69 percent of Brits were in favor of British youth learning about colonialism in school.
The suggestion to introduce the dark history of the once-mighty British Empire in the curriculum was fronted by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in his manifesto ahead of the December election.
The U.K.’s National Education Union joint general secretary Mary Bousted welcomed Labour’s “set of joined-up proposals to proactively tackle racism”.
The British Empire is historically known for its brutalities and atrocities it committed in India, Africa and other parts of the world during the colonial era.
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It is the first time the issue has featured in electoral discourse in Britain, despite growing demands in recent years by academics, parents, and employers seeking individuals with an enhanced awareness of global contexts.
Several Brits have taken to social media to either voice their support or opposition to Corbyn’s suggestion
While some were in favor: “Gotta learn your history (including the bad bits) to build a better future” some opposed it: “Let’s teach kids to hate their country … for a brighter future”.
