Pride in an International context


I have pondered over a title for this article.I feel that my choice is appropriate; as it will lead me back to my pride in being Scottish. Education will also be featured in my narrative.

First allow me to make a personal comment on my ability to express myself in a literary eloquent style.
I possess absolutely no academic qualifications however I am “Proud” to be a product of one of the best education systems in the world. I would therefore ask that you allow me some latitude on your judgement of my literary skills. At the age of 74 I can quote a fair assessment of my own lifetime experiences.

The issue of pride:-America:-I find that I am ambivalent in my judgement on the cultural activities of the people of this country.However there is one outstanding feature which invokes my total unequivocal admiration, simply put their “Pride & Patriotism”.I would advise every Scot to seriously study the following:-“The Pledge of Allegiance” ALSO “The American Creed”.All over the Nation millions of schoolchildren adopt, quote “The Pledge of Allegiance” as part of their curriculum, thus imparting the message to them of where they belong (More on this subject later).

Norway:-In a recent documentary on Scotland, A charming lady from Norway was interviewed on various aspects of matters Scottish. Inevitably the subject of Scottish Independence was discussed, the lady stressed in no uncertain manner her astonishment that a Nation similar in many ways to her own country (Including rich in oil & gas resources).continues to be in a state of uncertainty about its status in the world community.(The lady was very polite about this, under the circumstances what else?).
Further to her remarks she spoke about Norway’s Independence celebration day, quoting facts regarding the nature of the festivities; apparently the emphasis is in calling it a day of peace with children all over the country dressed in traditional clothing, dancing and singing, the theme of the songs is, this is the day for the future; it is the day for the children. The underlying message is again imbuing a sense of “Pride & Patriotism” in the young generation.

The next example concerns the Balkan group of Nations. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania:- Most of us in our generation can recollect the scenes of joy all over Europe when the U.S.S.R.was (peacefully) torn asunder. I single out these three tiny countries for special mention. They had one common denominator, none of them are particularly rich in natural resources and at the time of the break-up they each faced an uncertain financial future.(Compare this situation with that of Scotland).The enormity of what lay ahead was not even contemplated, all they were concerned with was the knowledge that they were “Free and Independent. They demonstrated this by a passionate display of “Pride and Patriotism”.

I could elaborate on this theme, but deem it unnecessary; I feel I have established my principle. There is one more nation I must acknowledge Denmark:- .This is a Nation which is exclusive to what I have written above. On reading the records of the country’s accomplishments and achievements. These comprise tributes from various accredited agencies from all over the world.
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1:-Has the best business climate in the world.
2:-Is the happiest place in the world (Based on health, welfare and education.
3:-Is the 2nd most peaceful place in the world (After New Zealand) they can’t be perfect!
4:-Least corrupt place in the world.
The litany goes on. In the complexities of a world of diverse cultures, to single out one Nation as living the Utopian Dream, is fanciful to say the least. Denmark can be considered close to the mark.

I now turn to the subject of education. The Auld Enemy:-In the book written by Tom Steel “Scotland’s Story, he gives prominence to the “Fact” that the English education system teaches the mantra “British history will be taught from an English perspective”. My own daughter spent all of her school years down here, and confirms this without prejudice. The inexorable pressure of “Brain-washing”(conditioning);leads the pupils to think English. This is the reason for our friends from south of the border to quote English in a British context. As far as “Pride" is concerned with the English it is more subtle. I personally respect them for their positive approach to their “Nationality”; as a result of their education “THEY HAVE NO DOUBT OF WHO THEY ARE”!I have seen many articles in the English media complaining that the English are too laid back about their identity “RUBBISH”!

In a recent speech at an S.N.P.conference Alex Salmond made the following important observation:-
“The English are a great and good people”, he continued with a wry smile;” but they sometimes annoy
us a little bit”! I could continue with a long soliloquy on the subject of the English Media, how they treat Scotland and Scots with almost an attitude of contempt and disdain, however I am too much of a “Proud Scot” to descend to their level

Last but no means least I turn to Scotland. The first issue I deem to be of primary importance is linked to America and the Pledge of Allegiance.I have absolutely no objection to the principle of having our schools establishing a system similar to the American model. My only concern would be that this should be controlled in a manner to obviate the tendency to induce a frame of mind of “Jingoistic Arrogance”.
From what I have written it is patently obvious the actions that have to (Expeditiously) be implemented. The Scottish Government should embark on complete rethink on Scottish education, with particular emphasis on the teaching of History. Pupils from now on, as a priority, will have to be taught in a matter of fact way that the Nation they belong to has a history to be “Proud about. I again make reference to Tom Steel`s book, two quotes from the rear cover:-“The Scottish people have given the world an enormous wealth of creativity and inventive genius out of all proportion to their numbers.”.
One of the smallest but most influential countries in the world”. Further quote:-The English connection,” the Scots have contributed greatly and got little in return". Hereby lies the Scottish Paradox, since reading his book I contacted his secretary who graciously informed me that Mr.Steel is a donor to a political party “Wait for it” LABOUR!!!!

I conclude by laying down this challenge to all who contemplate placing their cross in the “Wrong” box in May. Namely voting for any pro-union party. Enter in your search engine “The McCrone report campaign leaflet”. Thoroughly peruse the leaflet; then consider in your conscience why any person from Scotland should commit this act of betrayal. This is all about “PRIDE AND PATRIOTSM”!

The message I wish to impart is that our children are the future of our country.As soon as possible the education system will have to be changed to ensure that they abide by the simple maxim “Think Scottish not British”.