Is Patriotic Education for School Children a Good Idea?

When it comes to educating school children about patriotism, the question arises: what exactly do we want them to learn? Should they be taught the truth, or a sanitized, questionable version of reality?

Teaching patriotism should not involve outright lying to students that flatters their country. Instead, civics should be the core of their education. Patriotism can indeed be nurtured, but it should not be a mandatory part of their curriculum. Rather, it should be part of the school decor, with educational materials and displays that reflect the values of the school and the community.

How to Cultivate Patriotism?

Perhaps a more effective approach would be to cultivate a sense of tribalism akin to being “quirky” and “tribal”, rather than promoting ‘militarism’. This can be achieved by encouraging children to take pride in their school, its mascots, and its history. For instance:

Owning and showing pride for a school’s mascot and patron. Partaking in school traditions and pageantry, such as cheering for the Olympic team or having field trips to museums and the outdoors. Fostering a sense of belonging and community through shared experiences.

These activities can inculcate a gentle sense of patriotism without the need for explicit teaching. The military can serve as a positive inspiration, but not in a “militaristic” sense. Instead, children should be encouraged to feel a sense of “tribalism”, akin to the passion and dedication of a sports team.

Genuine Education vs. Patriotism as Indoctrination

Genuine education aims to foster critical thinking, knowledge, and a sense of community. On the other hand, intellectual or patriotic indoctrination often fails to instill a deep understanding and can be manipulative. For example, flag-worshipping parades and hagiography of soldiers as all heroes can be seen as shallow and lacking in substance.

The purpose of patriotism should be to foster a love for the country that drives individuals to work towards making the country better, not simply blindly worshiping anything their nation does. Children should be encouraged to critically engage with their history and to strive for positive change, rather than being subjected to effusive and impractical displays of patriotism.

It is essential to educate children about the complexities of history. Blind worship of all actions taken by the nation is not acceptable, particularly if it involves a lack of critical thinking. Children should be taught to be critical consumers and creators of knowledge.

Conclusion

Patriotic education can have its merits, but it should be done thoughtfully and responsibly. Children deserve a curriculum that encourages them to think critically, engage with history, and work towards a better future for their country. The goal is to foster a sense of tribalism and pride in one's community, not to indoctrinate them with simplistic and manipulative messages.