The Education of Today (Paper 2)

After reading various arguments by Kozol, Moore, and Gatto, I began to realize that much of what they had to say about the education in America is true. Although I do not agree with them completely, they all make valid points. Gatto, a public school teacher for thirty years, especially got me thinking when he stated, “Do we really need schools? I don’t mean education, just forced schooling: six classes a day, five days a week…for twelve years” (Gatto 153). He made me wonder, is compulsory education truly helping the children of America, or does it have complete and total control over them? I’ve realized, and disagree with the various aruguments, that the type of education that students are receiving is essential in this day and age and, without proper schooling, the youth of this nation would not be learning as much as they possibly could.
Compulsory education began in Massachusetts in 1852, and Massachusetts was the only state to have it for fifteen years. Between 1867 and 1918 the rest of the states followed behind Massachusetts in inforcing compulsory education(“Compulsory”). Before compulsory education existed, parents decided when their children should begin being educated at home (“Compulsory”). Gatto makes a point in Against School, stating how unnecessary schooling is by explaining that George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln “never went through the twelve-year wringer our kids currently go through” (Gatto 153). I, however, wonder if he realizes that the historical figures he mentions were raised in a time where technology was not even close to being as advanced as it is today. I agree that those men played a remarkable role in the way the United States of America is today and that it’s clear that they were well educated even though they weren’t schooled, but they also didn’t have the distractions that are around in the 21st century. I wonder how educated Benjamin Franklin would have been (had someone else made all the discoveries he did), if he was raised in this time period and owned a computer, television, a number of video games, parents that had to work five days out of the week to provide for him, and no need for a compulsory education. I honestly don’t believe that he would be as knowledgeable of a person if he didn’t attend school.
Technology has had an immense impact on the world and, in my opinion, does not educate the children of this nation in the way it should. Granted, there are educational games, movies, and toys, but is that all that parents are buying? No. Yes, there are cartoons and television shows that are meant to enhance minds, but that isn’t all that is on television. I helped a third grade English teacher my junior year of high school, and as sweet as the children were, theyknew so much more than I did when I was their age, but not in an intellectual way. Nine year olds were cursing, singing degrading songs that they hopefully didn’t understand the meaning of but most likely did, and were dancing like some girls do in videos. If America didn’t enforce a compulsory education for the youth of this nation, there would only be children who learn mostly from technology and the media rather than from teachers who are there to help them achieve their goals, whether it be to advance to the next grade, graduate from high school, or go to college.
Others argue that parents should choose what their children are learning as they did before the 20th century, quarrelling that there should be more home schooling (Salberg). I have nothing against parents wanting to teach their children, but unfortunately, not all parents are able to do that. Many have to work while their children are in school to provide for living expenses as well as the cost of having a child, and although many might love to be with their son(s) and/or daughter(s) all the time, they simply cannot. The fact that children are able to receive a free education in public schools is beneficiary to the population because, without it, our nation would be full of unintelligent young minds, with the exception of some cases, like Benjamin Franklin. Where would they learn how to do basic math which leads to geometry and algebra and also a career that needs those skills? How would they learn what a book is for if their parents didn’t take them to the library or read bedtime stories before they went to sleep? Schooling helps to shape young minds into bright individuals who are able to learn how to think for themselves, know what they are interested in, what they want to eventually do with their lives, and learn how to get along with others as hard as that may be at times. Nothing in the world is perfect, and although some children are limited to what they learn in certain areas or school districts, I wonder if we would rather them be “limited” or learn nothing at all? Yes, everyday is a new learning experience, but it is not always enhancing the mind.
Compulsory education will continue to be an important part of the youth of this nation. It is where students are able to realize what they are capable of and the importance of knowledge, as well as being a part of growing up and maturing. We should focus on creating a generation of empowered thinkers, problem solvers, and people with ideas rather them be limited on what they know.



Works Cited
"Compulsory Education Laws: the Dialogue Reopens." HSLDA. Sept.-Oct. 2000. 13 Sept. 2007 .
Gatto, John T. "Against School." Rereading America. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin\'s, 2007. 152-159.
Salberg, Lawrence. "Compulsory Education Laws and Their Effect on My Family." Lawrence Salberg. 13 Nov. 2002. 13 Sept. 2007 .

The Influence of America (Paper 5)

The United States of America has been a constant influence in the world and on the way other countries are run. America had power for a long time, for example, when President Woodrow Wilson waned to spread democracy throughout various countries after World War I because he thought it was the best form of government and would bring peace, to people from different nations knowing what a Big Mac and McDonald’s is simply because they are everywhere. It is clear that American ideals have and will continue to spread throughout the world, however, many still argue whether or not their influence is considered a sort of globalization or a form of cultural imperialism. America has an outstanding power that countries are beginning to notice as a form of American Universalism. There is no doubt that globalization is active today, but the effect that each country has on one another is outweighed by America’s impact. The influence that the United States has on the world is extreme by changing cultures through language, entertainment, and the adding of businesses.

One of the most spoken languages in the world is English. Overseas students are required to take English classes, just as Spanish is in American schools, but some countries in Europe start as young as ten years old (Marling, 83). The best time to learn a new language is when one is younger, but in America, the only time that a language other than Spanish is given as an elective is when a student reaches high school. The two popular languages in American high schools are French and German; however it is difficult to learn a new language at the age of fifteen. When it comes to trading between America and another country, English is the language that is spoken (Edwards). This shows how America is continually controlling the way the world is run. There is no reason why more major business owners and leaders in America cannot learn another language in order to be able to communicate with their associates or a leader of another country.

Entertainment from the United States is heavily spread, just like English, with Hollywood movies, television, music, and sports. When someone in America turns on a television, the chances of watching a French show or one from any other country is highly unlikely. On the other hand, France has aired at least forty American television shows that are popular in the states, such as CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and Prison Break that are dubbed in French or have subtitles (McDowell). If countries are all influencing one another, why is it that there aren’t at least forty well-liked television shows from various countries being shown in the United States with English subtitles? Perhaps the same question could be asked about sports. Basketball is an extremely popular in America and throughout the world, but what sports from overseas are as much of a hit in America? The professional players of the NBA can be recognized anywhere they go, not only because they are tall, but because games can be seen in 212 countries by 750 million households (Batelho). Not to mention, there are seventy three players from thirty four countries who make up a part of the NBA, such as Yao Ming (China), Tony Parker (France), Dikembe Mutombo (Africa), and Manu Ginobili (Argentina), who people all over know because of their popularity thanks to the television (Batelho). If the games weren’t broadcasted overseas, would people abroad still make up forty two percent of NBA.com’s traffic and twenty percent of their sale merchandise sales (Batelho)? In many ways, much of what goes out of America is a form of advertisement which betters the country economically.

Much of what is advertised throughout the world can be found right outside their door. American businesses have spread throughout South America, Asia, and Europe. The fast food industry is one of the fastest growing industries, and it is changing the way nations are run. This could be seen as a form of globalization, but is it truly? In 2003, McDonald’s had thirty thousand restaurants in one hundred nineteen countries (Batelho). Not only is it “the world’s leading food service retailer,” but McDonald’s also wants all their employees to be the same, no matter where they are from (Batelho). They wish to convey the same image with smiling faces representing the company. However, every nation is different from another, which is why everyone has there own values that they live by. McDonald’s is changing the way some nations function, and it is viewed by many overseas “as a close-minded, greedy American company without proper respect for other cultures” (Batelho). In France, where mustaches and goatees are popular and quiet common, their employees were banned from having facial hair (Batelho). In Russia, some customers were offended when the franchise first opened and they saw the “super-smiley McDonald’s workers” because they were not used to that type of greeting, and theysaw it as insincere (Batelho). Although there are a great variety of cultural restaurants in the United States, there are none as popular or well known as McDonald’s is overseas. Kentucky Fried Chicken is also recognized throughout the world. In Japan, there was a picture taken of a young girl with pig tales standing next to figure of Colonel Sanders dressed as a samurai (Marling 1). To see an American food icon advertised in a way to get business in a foreign country is rather sickening because it is taking away from a culture that is theirs. Fortunately, the employees who work at Wal Mart in Japan refused to “adopt its American guideline of asking any customer within ten feet “How can I help you?” because it is in their culture for clerks not to speak unless spoken to (Marling 87). It is imperative that countries begin to stick with their values and not give in to the pressure of America.

American Universalism is a strong force in the world, and honest and equal globalization is needed. As soon as more people in the United States are able to speak another language other than Spanish, when foreign movies and sports are watched in America, and more cultural restaurants exist with less manipulation in the fast food industry, than globalization will for once be true. Until then, America will continue to manipulate cultures.








Works Cited

Botelho, Greg. "Marketing in a complex business climate." CNN. 2003. 17 Nov. 2007 . Edwards, Chris. "English now seems to be the language of international trade." Find Articles. 2007. 17 Nov. 2007. Marling, William. How "American" is Globalization? Baltimore: JHU Press, 2006. McDowell, Jeanne. "Helping TV Hits Translate Overseas." TIME. CNN. 17 Nov. 2007 .

I will be Successful (Paper 3)

When I was ten years old, I realized that I wanted to be a teacher and leave a lasting mark on children’s lives. Unfortunately, teaching isn’t the highest paying job in America. Although family and friends have advised me to pursue a different career, I know that I will wake up every morning looking forward to work. The main reason why others say I shouldn’t teach is because of a teacher’s salary, and they seem to believe I won’t be as successful in life as someone who becomes a doctor or a lawyer, and that I will never have a “glamorous life.” I, however, beg to differ. Just because magazines, television, and movies depict people with wonderful lives as only those with more money than the regular Joe doesn’t mean that it’s the only way to lead a fulfilling life. Although the media portrays successful people as having millions of dollars, a gorgeous significant other, and extravagant homes, I feel that as long as I become an elementary school teacher, have a husband who thinks that I am perfect, and a family living in a house that I own, then I will have succeeded in life.

The chance of turning on a television and changing the channel to a program about a rich man, woman, or group of people is more than likely to happen. Americans are influenced by the media and use the media to get an idea of what is good or bad, right or wrong, pretty or ugly, successful or a failure. When looking at magazines, I never see people with “normal” lives who work from nine to five, have three kids, and live in an apartment. The ones who are glamorized and portrayed to be a “success” are wealthy individuals with millions of dollars, the type of money so many of us dream of having, but probably never will. To be honest, I sometimes wish I could be a millionaire, but I quickly leap off that cloud and realize that money does not decide the amount of success I will have in life. I am currently pursuing a degree in elementary education, and although that won’t make me the next Oprah Winfrey with billions of dollars to my name, I will strive just as she does to make a difference. What I want is to be able to change people’s lives, not by influencing young girls to dress like me because I have a thousand dollar dress on, but by teaching children and helping them achieve their goals. Being a positive influence is an achievement to me. I want those who underestimate teachers to realize that money doesn’t define how successful one is in life. To have a career that leaves a lasting impression on a child’s life is a success and is far more important to me than being on a magazine cover.

Another thing celebrities always seem to have is a stunning, gorgeous significant other, no matter how unappealing they may be. It seems that in order to be seen as a success, one must have a “trophy” wife or husband. For example, Donald Trump, in my opinion, is an exceptionally unattractive man; however, he is married to Melania, a exceptionally attractive model. Almost everyone I know says she’s with him for the money. On the other hand, if she truly loves him for his mind, body, and hair, then I find that admirable because my idea of a “successful” marriage is when one can look at their husband or wife, and view them as perfect, through all their imperfections, and not care what others think. The most important thing, to me, is being in a marriage that isn’t based on looks, because in the long run, if that’s all there is to a relationship, it more than likely will lead to divorce. A definition of an unsuccessful marriage to me is divorce.

Once I’m married and have a family, I hope to be able to raise my children in a two story house. All my life I’ve lived in a one story, two bedroom apartment that I whole heartedly appreciate and am thankful for, but I have always wanted to be able to provide my kids with something I never had. In spite of the media depicting successful individuals with possessing a personal resort in Maui, a castle like house in Los Angeles, and a loft in New York, I don’t want that. All I will ever want is a home, not homes, a place where I feel my family will be safe. Watching Cribs on MTV is mind boggling because I don’t see the need for a mansion with fifteen bedrooms, ten baths, and a pool that alone costs one hundred thousand dollars. Celebrities seem to believe that their homes and what’s inside those doors define how successful they have been in life, but to me, it only shows how their “success” has altered their priorities in life.

People tend to focus on the lives of the rich and famous instead of their own. Someone has always got a celebrity they look up to and want to be more like, but they should be more concerned about being their own person. My mind set has been, and always will be, to have my own goals to work towards, not ones that someone else has already made. I will accomplish what I want to do with my life. I will become a teacher. I will make a difference. I will have a family and home. I will be successful.

Life and Death

The Founding Fathers of the United States of America, contrary to what has been taught in schools, did not establish the country under Christian values (Dawkins 40). Today, however, eighty-seven percent of Americans call themselves religious, many being Christian (Religious). With the majority of a country believing in God, their culture will be influenced by the people who think that way. Life is particularly sacred to various religions because it is believed that every person is here for a purpose, and when it comes to euthanasia and abortion, even the thought of it is looked down upon because of what the Bible says. The religious beliefs of Americans have shaped their society and caused those who are for abortion and euthanasia to go through many hardships.
Abortion has been an ongoing debate in the United States since it was made legal by the Supreme Court in 1973 with the court case, Roe v Wade (Abortion). Religious people believe that abortion is killing and goes against the Bible. However, some argue that until a child is born, it is not human life. A pro-life website, Abort73.com, stresses how wrong abortion is and gives various facts and proverbs from the Bible, one being, "Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter" (Abort73). They believe that “God is absolutely sovereign, and could end abortion today with a thought, if He so chose, but with rare exceptions, God is pleased to work through human means, fragile and sinful though we be” (Abort73).
Religious groups continue to fight for life by protesting outside of abortion clinics, and in some instances, the fetus isn’t the only life being lost. On March 10, 1993 Dr. David Gunn was shot as he stepped out of his car in the parking lot of Pensacola Women's Medical Services clinic in Florida by a man protesting who had “prayed for the physicians soul” (Booth). The shooter, Michael Frederick Griffin, asked his congregation to “agree with him that Dr. Gunn would give his life to Jesus Christ” because he wanted the doctor to “start doing what the Bible says was right” (Booth). Abortion continues to be debated for laws in America by religious pro-life organizations because of what the Bible says, but it is a “woman’s rights issue,” and those who are pro-choice believe that “religious faith” shouldn’t be “the sole legal justification for seeking laws to protect the unborn, the handicapped, and the elderly” (Willke).
Just as abortion deals with death, so does euthanasia, also known as “assisted suicide.” It is another practice that is thought to go against the Bible, because it is believed that another person’s life should not be taken away by anyone else but God, and it goes against one of the Ten Commandments, “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” Although euthanasia is illegal in the United States, there have been various instances where husbands, wives, or family members have been allowed by the courts to take their loved one off of machines that are essentially keeping them alive. However, in 2005,the case of Terri Schiavo was covered in the news when the Florida courts, U.S. Supreme Court, and Congress granted her husband, Michael Schiavo, the right to remove her feeding tube, against her parents wishes, because she was in a vegetative state since 1990 and had very little brain function (Robinson). This caused a religious uproar, and before the feeding tube was removed Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, rushed to Washington D.C. in hopes of getting Congress to enforce a congressional subpoena, but the subpoena did not pass (Robinson). This again has to do with life, and the rights a spouse or family has to make the decision of ending life support, aside from what the Bible says, when a loved one is no longer able to. In other instances, terminally ill, mentally ill, handicapped, and senile patients want to “die with dignity” and not suffer anymore. Dr. Koop, who wrote The Memoirs of America’s Family Doctor, stated, “There is a difference between allowing nature to take its course and actively assisting death.” He believes that it is in “direct conflict” with “religious and ethical tradition” (Koop).
Abortion and euthanasia will always be an ongoing battle in an American Society that is eighty-seven percent religious, because they have to do with life, death, God, and what the Bible says. The question will continue to be, whose right is it to decide whether or not to keep a child or to assist in ending someone’s life that is essentially not living anymore? Perhaps if the United States was not a majority of religious individuals, the two would not be a continuing issue.

Religion

My mother is an atheist, my father is a catholic who hasn't been to church since he was young, and I have no idea what to believe in. For two years I worked in a nursery at a catholic church and watched children from 6 months to 5 years old for parents while they attended mass. For about a year, I would go to the "teen mass" with my friends which was from 5:15 to 6:30 and was followed by LifeTeen, where teenagers from 9th-12th grade would attend after mass and learn more about Jesus for another hour. Since I had no idea about what they believed, I went in with an open mind. Although the idea of someone always being there and loving/forgiving no matter what you do is comforting, it's extremely hard for me to believe sometimes. I know a number of people who claim to be religious but don't act in a way that I think Jesus would be proud of...if that makes any sense. I can still remember being seven years old and my friends ten year old sister, whose family was extremely religious, told me that I was going to go to hell because of something I did. Also, when 9/11 happened, my friends grandma said that she felt sorry for those who didn't have God in their life because they're all going to hell. She saw me as a part of their family, however, I'm not baptized and don't really have a religion, so she was pretty much saying that me and my mom would be going to hell without even knowing it. I don't understand how some people who say that they believe in a God that doesn't judge, feel that they have the right to judge those who don't believe in the same things they do. I think that if there truly is a heaven then who I am and what I've done in life should matter more than how many times I went to church or who/what I believe in.

The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest that was done at the Texas State Theater was definitely not for everyone. Unfortunately, I didn’t understand much of the humor, rarely laughing when the majority of the audience did. It was a little confusing, but I came to the conclusion that women in the 1800’s were extremely clueless. The fact that the two leading ladies, Gwendolen and Cecily were mainly in love with their significant other because their names were Earnest seemed silly to me. When the two Earnest’s whose real names were Jack and Algernon asked their fiancée’s if they would still love them if their names were Jack or Algernon the two shuddered in disgust. Cecily, for instance, had never met Earnest and was practically in love with someone she had made up in her mind, writing letters to herself but signing them with the name “Earnest.” She even made up an engagement with Earnest, who she had never met. It was important to the two women that their husband’s names be Earnest because they explained how it would be nice to be married to a man with that name. It seemed like the name “Earnest” was held in high regard, and it got to the point where the two men were going to be re-christened “Earnest.” I understand that people will do anything for love, but if someone only likes you because of your name then I think it’s time to move on. It was like their fake name decided how successful they were. I’m sorry to say it, but I didn’t enjoy it too much. The actors were wonderful, but these types of plays don’t translate to people in the same way. I love going to the theater, but only to Broadway musicals, they seem to keep me more entertained.

Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich, “a simple girl from the mid-west,” was surprisingly inspirational when I listened to what she had to say. To be able to hear the real person that was portrayed in a movie allowed me to understand what she had to go through in order to get to where she is today. She embodies success, not only through her story but through her words. Brockovich continually stressed the importance of “doing what you feel is right.” She explained how one day she was driving and thought to herself, “What am I doing? I barely get to see my children and I’m not making any money,” but she knew what she was doing was extremely important and she “was willing to stand up for what was right.” I admire her courage, strength, and pursuance for the truth. Brockovich also mentioned that that the “best lesson” that she could pass on to us was that it is “truly what is inside of ourselves that make all the difference” and to remember that even if you loose a battle it will soon lead to war and victory. I also learned that in high school she was voted “Least Likely to Succeed” but soon realized that it was “their choice to see her as a loser” and she could no longer allow others to decide who she was. I realized that many people have a little bit of “Erin Brockavich” in them. I’d like to think that we all want to fight for what is right but sometimes lack the courage to do so. She has achieved success against all odds and I can only imagine how many others she has inspired to do the same.