This isn't new - when I was at grammar school in the early 70's my history teacher was a card carrying communist, who wanted us all to buy Chairman Mao's "Little Red Book". I'm proud to say I was one of the (very) few who didn't...
Why does the textbook go on about Nazis? Because, being defeated, they are a safe target for moral outrage. They are a bit like smallpox. Everyone hates it, because it only exists in tiny pockets that can no longer harm us.
Why does the textbook not say much about the Soviets? Because the Russians are still a force to be reckoned with. (Especially if Liz Truss gets the job!)
Why does the textbook say virtually nothing bad about China? Because the publishing company is probably owned by the Chinese.
microdave - I remember students buying Mao's "Little Red Book" but even then it seemed an odd thing to do.
Sam - I think there is also a desire to keep collectivist politics alive. In that sense, Hitler has been very useful as a way to focus on one monster rather than the other two.
I obtained a copy of Mao's little red book in about 1969 by writing to the Chinese embassy and professing an interest. I was mildly surprised to receive a copy. My it was boring.
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This isn't new - when I was at grammar school in the early 70's my history teacher was a card carrying communist, who wanted us all to buy Chairman Mao's "Little Red Book". I'm proud to say I was one of the (very) few who didn't...
Here's a theory.
Why does the textbook go on about Nazis? Because, being defeated, they are a safe target for moral outrage. They are a bit like smallpox. Everyone hates it, because it only exists in tiny pockets that can no longer harm us.
Why does the textbook not say much about the Soviets? Because the Russians are still a force to be reckoned with. (Especially if Liz Truss gets the job!)
Why does the textbook say virtually nothing bad about China? Because the publishing company is probably owned by the Chinese.
microdave - I remember students buying Mao's "Little Red Book" but even then it seemed an odd thing to do.
Sam - I think there is also a desire to keep collectivist politics alive. In that sense, Hitler has been very useful as a way to focus on one monster rather than the other two.
I obtained a copy of Mao's little red book in about 1969 by writing to the Chinese embassy and professing an interest. I was mildly surprised to receive a copy. My it was boring.
Tammly - I've just checked and they are being sold on eBay for a range of prices. I suppose there is now some historical interest.
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