I suspect, your family history is somewhat similar to my own Jim. I think maybe studying history is all very well in its way. but its a bit abstract.
Keith's background doesn't seem to from the same embittered clan that we belong to.

history is just that unless you 'feel' it. its just a load of facts, and facts can bear any interpretation.

For whatever reason Keith doesn't feel it. not the way we do. not his fault.