about DCs and Communism and Socialism and AAM ?

[jammyjamiejimmy]

I've named changed for this:

I come from a very very left wing family, working class family (we are talking communist GP, DPs with secret service records, phones where tapped in the 70s, DPs big into socialist groups and political stuff in 60's and 70s. [also very big in anti-apartheid] etc) .
DH comes from a normal Labour voting family

My two eldest (they are in different years) have just started this term to learn about Russian revolution, Stalin and Vietnam War. And the eldest started doing Socialist authors eg Bernard Shaw, Priestly etc. And daughter started to learn about Apartheid in RS.
Both have come home saying all this stuff about how horrible/hiddeous communism and socialism is. Also learning some stuff about Apartheid and AAM that I feel/know is wrong eg about British stance etc.

I want them to make up their own choices about such things.

But some of these things they are saying, go against everything I believe in.
I want them to have the facts but they don't seem to be learning them (DS seems to think that Marxism and Stalinism are one in the same). But equally if they turn around and truely believe this then I want them to do so with the true facts.

Don't think either of them have yet gaged just how Left we as parents and as a general family how political we all are.

Also DD was telling DMum about some of the stuff AAM did and how the Govt reacted and I know she got very upset (She lived in S.A during apartheid and has a criminal record in UK due to her involvement with AAM) -Some of the stuff DD said is fact but I know DMum (and DDa and me) feels misses the point.

AIBU to not like this?
And what do I do? - Sit them down explain facts, family history?
Or do I just leave it?

I agree you should be open and talk to your children about your views and your family history and certainly not shy away from it in the name of balance.

I had a politically aware upbringing my Dad was a young Communist and then involved with Cooperative businesses throughout his life my Mum also very politicaly aware and opinionated. I was involved with politics, protest as a teenager and studied politics at University as a result and my younger sister is currently writing a biog of Rosa Luxemburg! I am not saying you need to 'convert' your children just talk about events give your views let them join in the discussion and let them make their own minds up.

I dont see any reason either why you should necessarily try and be overly balanced in explaining ur points of view to them - they'll (and u) will enjoy it all the more if u ending up having political debates... I'd encourage grandparents etc to give their views also... I'd even explain to them the "failings" of the history class attitudes if thats how you feel. They'll make up their own minds in any case