Wales,
I think you are right, I know the kids today haven't got the slightest idea what things were like in our parents day. My own children or grandkids have never witnessed poverty, a fact I have to be honest that I am glad of, but I think they should be shown video's such as you mention at school, so they can at least see from whence they come.
When I talk to my grandchildren of times past, they do show an interest, but when I show them some of my collection of photo's they are just unable to take it in. When they see the dilapidated housing and ramshackle surroundings they apply todays logic and say things like "why didn't the people move away". If I reply they couldn't afford to their reply is " Why didn't they get better jobs"
I sometimes dispair of what our children are being taught at school.
Phil