Against School blog

John Taylor Gatto's writing, "Against School" is a reminder of other great writings such as 1984, a great reminder of a dystopian future. What was fascinating about his article on the problems with our world's education system is that he came from a view that many people refuse to even talk or thing about. I think it is very bold and at times dramatic how Gatto parallels our education system to that of our downfall. I thoroughly appreciate it when a great writer is open to write about subjects that are socially "unacceptable" because we all need opposite insight from time to time. There are moments throughout every one of my days where I question why I am performing things because that's what I'm supposed to do. It is quite humbling as Gatto points out that we learn many of these routines from our twelve year education plan. I am glad however that Gatto points out that education if very important, when it is learned in an original and independent environment. Is it possible that from the time public education was born, that our government has planned to "reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry"? It makes sense that powerful government forces would want a race of dependent and disciplined human beings that did not know how to group together and rebel. From my standpoint, I believe the government has the desire to control every aspect of our country to a point. I have also observed the media controls us just as much or more because of the desire for control and money. Human beings have created this situation not soley to manipulate and control one another, but mostly because we always want more. We want to be better at technology, science, or business; and we control this by advertising our product. Lastly, I enjoy the point where Gatto urges parents to teach their own to be leaders and adventurers instead of employees and consumers.