The idea that Nessie is a symbol of England’s dominance over Scotland will be taught in schools north of the border. Youngsters should learn that the class played a role in creating the legend and stories about the mysterious creature linked to Scottish independence.
Activists have criticized the classes as nationalist and anti-British propaganda aimed at brainwashing students.
A social studies lesson plan on how the monster is portrayed in films includes a number of statements about how Scotland is portrayed and how that influences issues such as the independence referendum.
The material aims to help 11 to 14 year olds ‘recognize persuasion and prejudice’, claiming the monster was designed as a tourist attraction to appeal to the ‘automotive middle class’ during the Great Depression.
Interest in Nessie exploded in the 1930s with a rush of alleged sightings. The first film about the beast was the 1934 horror The Secret Of The Loch.
The lesson plan states that the film’s monster “demonstrates the somewhat ambivalent position Scotland occupies in the Union…the very idea of a prehistoric monster in a loch affirms the stereotypical idea that Scotland – unlike to England – is a rural wilderness, perhaps bypassed by progress.
“The depiction of the monster suggests that although there was a ‘primitive’ wilderness in Scotland before the state of Britain, the modern state has the ability to control it using advanced knowledge and technology. “
The news caused a storm on Twitter with users
@BertTheBearBook fumed: “Absolutely ridiculous. Nessie sparks the imagination. Imagination sparks creativity. Lets kids wonder about wonders.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT KATE MIDDLETON’S MOM’S CROSSING FEAR
To which @niallfraserlove replied: “Absolute rubbish. Most films about Scotland are made by Hollywood.
“You think that episode of The Simpsons where they meet the Loch Ness Monster was written by Whitehall?
Chris McGovern, chair of the Campaign for Real Education, which pushes for more parental choice in education, said: “There is no doubt [the material] exhibiting an anti-British bias.
“The nationalist cause must be in dire straits if it has to resort to such propaganda tactics among young people.”
He told MailOnline: ‘My advice to teachers is to use the Nessie Plan itself as an example of how ‘bias’ is used by educators.
Education Scotland said: “Through studying the films, the resource encourages students to debate, analyze biases and understand the role film has played in shaping Scotland’s overall vision.
“It also aims to help students learn the importance of respecting the heritage and identity of others.”
However, journalist @LiamODellUK added on Twitter: ‘Funny how the same right-wing commentators who claim ‘educational institutions are a place to challenge ideas’ are those now criticizing Education Scotland for its “anti-British bias” – all to ask how the Loch Ness Monster shapes the overall views of the country.”
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-27 15:17:08
