Dutch history canon published

In today’s edition of Radio Netherlands press review:

A commission appointed by the ministry of culture and headed by the president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences has just published what’s called a “canon” of 50 aspects of Dutch history, from the stone age to the present day, that are considered essential, standard learning when it comes to teaching history in schools.

As De Telegraaf points out in a commentary, with the Dutch history canon having finally been published, “Now the bickering can begin about its contents. Why is there nothing on the list about the religious sectarianism that divided Dutch social life for so long?” De Telegraaf asks, and “Where are the Batavians?” (the ancient Dutch tribe that resisted the Romans), the paper asks.

Others, like the Algemeen Dagblad, wonder why the list doesn’t include Pim Fortuyn, the recently assassinated political candidate. NRC.next, on the other hand, is full of praise, and argues that is precisely what sets a canon apart. “A canon is what survives cabinets and commissions by many years.”

So why suddenly after so many centuries, have we Dutch suddenly agreed on what is important history? According to De Volkskrant, some people believe this is because of the growing power of Brussels and the presence of a large number of Muslims in the country.

Though De Volkskrant does not indicate clearly who thinks that, it says this has made the identity of Dutch culture and its historic roots an important issue for politicians.

Read full press review: Radio Netherlands, 17 October 2006