Kachi wrote:
Er, I wouldn't blame our education system in the least. We actually produce a huge portion of the smartest students in the world (including science and math). Problem is, we also produce the dumbest, who weigh down the average. That's not the fault of the education system or teachers, but of parents who don't play an active role in their child's education. So to that extent, I would agree--the fact that parents aren't more involved in their child's education is a problem. But this is generally a problem of entrenched, systemic problems. It goes all the way to racism, wealth inequality, joblessness, etc...
The education is as much a symptom and a problem as pretty much every other social institution in the U.S..
Oh, and here I'm being all contrary. Sorry. Thank you for the support and sympathy.
Edited, Mar 22nd 2013 12:15am by Kachi
When you say we create the smartest and the dumbest, are you talking overall? I was a bit unsure. My epic rant (derail) was about finding a way to educate the population. I believe the founding fathers created this government for an educated bunch.
I thought the US was ranked 17th in the Top 50 countries it was compared. I'm not sure if you heard how Finland's education differs from ours. If not, It's a good perspective. I suggest you read up on it. I brought up Finland, because they're #1, followed by South Korea. While we all have different ways of doing things, being #1 in the world is no easy task. Clearly, they're doing something right. I apologize, because I didn't want to turn the thread into and education system rant lol, so I ignorantly blamed it without explaining. (I'm gonna do it now
) I completely agree with you. During the 1800s to around the late1950s (There are several books written where some people believe the decline actually started), the education was top notch. No one can deny that we've been falling lower and lower. The ignorance that's pervasive in this country is placed at the feet of education to me. (Only because it's their job is to teach).
You brought up all the key points that created this bad foundation America has. Racism pretty much ensured that an entire group of people remained ignorant and poor, which leads to joblessness, crime, self hate, and righteous victim hood (Which is the most dangerous imo). I have to admit that the wealth inequality video that recently went viral on Youtube blew my mind. I knew there was a gap, I just didn't think it was that bad...(I actually started thinking about it in High School thanks to the huge advantage in Gil the JP had over ps2 users like myself who joined late. Had me thinking about old wealth, and how it's easy for them to keep and hard to ever reach that level now) As for the education being a symptom and a problem, I get exactly what you mean! There is a penchant for perpetuating bad cycles. I believe now we have the ignorant teaching the ignorant.
In 1997 I read a book called, 'Gifted Hands.' I was 11 at the time, and that book meant a lot to me. It was interesting the simple fact of caring, as well as teaching people to care about themselves (for the right reasons...), makes the difference.
*Man that felt good to type, and get off my brain*
No problem, it just saddens me when smarts go to waste. About your take on parents being more active, I didn't want to go there, as I do not know your parents. However I do agree with that sentiment.