You might have read a report on political debates over the new high-school history curriculum in Taiwan at Following Formosa, which I introduced below. Or you can read related articles in Taiwanese newspapers like this. I am personally very interested in the issue of 'narrative of the history,' and this is something I also have to think about when I express my opposition against 'nationalism.'
How do you determine your national history? How do you choose what you teach and what you don't teach? Who should have the authority of decision-making?
Taiwan is an interesting example which currently faces this problem. I do not agree with Jiyu-shugi Shikan, which advocates "the national history as a tool to heighten nationalism and national identity," but when you are in a complicated multi-identity society like Taiwan, you have inevitably to choose a certain narrative along which you choose historical facts to teach. The problem is, WHO CAN DECIDE IT?!
Posted by sayaka at November 21, 2004 03:47 PM | TrackBack