Having gone to public school all my life (until this year) I can say that I understand what Gatto sees in the public school system. However, I disagree with his assertion that that what it accomplishes is problematic. School’s function of training good (obedient/civilized) citizens is not evil, instead it is necessary for a functioning society. Not everyone can be a leader or a revolutionary. If that were the case, the structure of society would fall—and with it the standard of living and people’s peace of mind. I also find fault with Gatto’s claim that one of school’s main functions is to brainwash students to consume more and more. I think this is a classic logical fallacy—just because generations before public schooling consumed less than today does not mean that schooling caused this change. Instead, it is more likely that free education increased the productivity and the incomes of later generations, and their consumption grew to match these. I also found Gatto’s references to George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln as leaders who “were not products of a school system” quite misleading. Gatto’s claim implies that these leaders would have been harmed by participating in a school system, however, given all that they accomplished, I find it unlikely that schooling would stand in their way. If schooling increases the standard of living of those that it supposedly “brainwashes,” and allows those who would have been leaders with or without the schooling to think independently—what is left to fear?
Introduction to Comparative Politics: Nationalism, Ideology, and State Power
Professor Shervin Malekzadeh
Andrew, your rebuttal of Gatto’s consumerism argument as a post hoc fallacy is the sharpest move in the post, and I think the functionalist defense holds up better than most critics allow. Where I’d push back is that “necessary for a functioning society” can quietly become a justification for whatever sorting mechanism happens to exist — schools may genuinely produce cohesion while still reproducing the particular hierarchies of the moment, and those two things aren’t mutually exclusive. The race-and-capital framing in the comments above captures this well. What I find useful is treating comparative civic formation as something you can actually test: give people a fixed starting point and endpoint and see which institutional pathways they take. That’s the logic behind the browser game Wikipedia race multiplayer, which turns link navigation into a timed challenge with real-time rooms and ranked 1v1 play. A small reminder that structure shapes outcomes, even in something as trivial as finding your way across an encyclopedia.
The public schools in New Mexico are going to be vastly different than the public schools in Massachusetts. And one’s race, economic status, and cultural capital will determine where they start in the race to make it through the schooling system and find a job. As you said, not everyone can be a leader. But how our society chooses these leaders, and how the schooling system aids in this choice is surely problematic doodle jump free.
Mastering power-ups is the key to victory in Doodle Jump. Quickly grab trampolines, propeller hats, or jetpacks to soar skyward at breakneck speed. Calculate your landings carefully to avoid missing a step during critical moments. Prove your skills by competing against friends on the global doodle jump leaderboard. Seeing other players’ scores right on the side of the paper serves as a huge motivator to keep jumping higher. Download the game and reach the top!
This article explores an important period in Russia’s economic history and raises interesting questions about the challenges of implementing rapid economic reforms. Looking back at historical events can help readers understand how major policy changes affect societies and everyday lives. Making complex topics easier to understand is equally valuable in education, and Best Children’s Book Writing Services can help transform informative ideas into engaging, age-appropriate stories that encourage young readers to learn.
Andrew, your point about the consumerism argument being a classic post hoc fallacy is the strongest part of this post — rising incomes after mass schooling no more prove indoctrination than they prove prosperity. Where I’d push back is the functionalist framing itself: schools can be necessary for social cohesion and still deserve scrutiny for how they sort students into obedience rather than judgment. The founders example cuts both ways, as you say, but it also hints at something Gatto ignores — the self-taught tradition they came from required tools and materials, not just independent minds. That’s the same reason I keep a photo-to-stencil converter like this spray paint stencil maker handy, since it turns an image into clean, cut-ready linework for anyone teaching themselves a craft outside a classroom. It’s a small reminder that the resources around a learner often matter as much as the institution.
Andrew, your point about the logical fallacy in Gatto’s consumerism argument is well taken — rising productivity and incomes after the spread of public education do complicate any simple causal claim, and the founders example cuts both ways since their success hardly proves formal schooling would have hindered them. What I find useful in your framing is the distinction between schooling as a sorting mechanism and schooling as a civilizing institution; both can operate at once without one fully negating the other. The harder question, as some of the commenters above suggest, is whether the incentives inside those institutions reward conformity over independent judgment. I’ve noticed the same tension in how gaming communities document their own systems — fan-maintained resources like this Slayers 2 clans and breathing styles resource tend to reward players who read the underlying mechanics critically rather than just follow instructions, which is a small but telling parallel to the sorting-versus-cultivation debate you’re raising.
Your rebuttal to Gatto’s causation problem is the strongest part of this post — rising consumption after mass schooling no more proves indoctrination than it proves prosperity, and you’re right that the founders’ example cuts both ways since none of them would likely have been derailed by a classroom. Where I’d push back slightly is the functionalist framing: schools can be necessary for social cohesion and still be worth scrutinizing for how they sort students into obedience rather than judgment. That tension is exactly what makes political theory worth reading outside the syllabus, and honestly the same instinct draws me to narrative work that dramatizes ideology and state power rather than just describing it — the free visual novel collection at free visual novels to play has short browser games where you actually make the choices, which sticks differently than a case study does.
Practical and actionable tips. Exactly what I needed today.
this is a thoughtful response to gatto’s critique. you make a valid point about the necessity of social cohesion and the logical fallacy in attributing consumerism solely to schooling. the historical examples of leaders like washington and franklin are indeed complex; their success without formal education doesn’t inherently prove that such education is harmful. your argument for a balanced view, acknowledging both the functional role of education and the need for critical scrutiny, is well-reasoned and adds depth to the discussion.
This article explores an important period in Russia’s economic history and raises interesting questions about the challenges of implementing rapid economic reforms. Looking back at historical events can help readers understand how major policy changes affect societies and everyday lives. Making complex topics easier to understand is equally valuable in education, and Best Children’s Book Writing Services can help transform informative ideas into engaging, age-appropriate stories that encourage young readers to learn.
The examples really bring the concepts to life. Well done!
Wonderful read! The examples you provided really helped clarify things.
Gatto’s argument conflates correlation with causation when blaming schools for consumerism, but the historical founders he cites thrived despite *lack* of formal education—not because of it. The real question isn’t whether schooling harms natural leaders, but whether mass education serves primarily to sort citizens into obedience rather than cultivate critical thinking. That productivity and living standards rose post-industrialization doesn’t prove schools aren’t also conditioning conformity. I use pinterest downloader to archive articles like this one for closer reading later, and the pattern across sources suggests Gatto’s critique, while imperfect, identifies something real about institutional incentives.
This is a really insightful take on Gatto’s critique! I appreciate your balanced perspective, especially how you distinguish between the perceived “problems” and the societal necessities. It’s so true that not everyone can be a revolutionary, and the idea of schooling fostering good citizenship is a vital one. It reminds me of the fantastic discussions happening in our Basketball Stars community about the roles of teamwork and individual brilliance – similar to how society needs both leaders and contributors. You might find some great conversations about different leadership styles over there!
This is a really insightful take on Gatto’s critique! I appreciate your balanced perspective, especially how you distinguish between the perceived “problems” and the societal necessities. It’s so true that not everyone can be a revolutionary, and the idea of schooling fostering good citizenship is a vital one. It reminds me of the fantastic discussions happening in our Basketball Stars community about the roles of teamwork and individual brilliance – similar to how society needs both leaders and contributors. You might find some great conversations about different leadership styles over there!
Geometry Dash Lite is the free, ad-supported “lite” edition of the popular rhythm-based platformer Geometry Dash. Designed for quick, challenging play on mobile devices and web browsers, Lite distills the core jump-fly-dash mechanics into a compact package that’s accessible to new players while retaining the franchise’s trademark difficulty and precision timing.
Lotería Nacional Grazie per aver condiviso questa ricetta. Le istruzioni sono chiare, le foto sono utili e il dolce sembra davvero perfetto da preparare in famiglia durante il weekend.
I see your point about societal structure. I agree that a balance is needed. However, I think it’s crucial to critically evaluate the influence that systems, like education, have on our perspectives. Maybe it’s not explicit “brainwashing,” but subtle shaping. I sometimes wonder how fast my reflexes are when navigating these complex situations! Has anyone tried Cps Test online? I found one that was surprisingly insightful – it made me think about reaction times in a new way.
I see your point about societal structure. I agree that a balance is needed. However, I think it’s crucial to critically evaluate the influence that systems, like education, have on our perspectives. Maybe it’s not explicit “brainwashing,” but subtle shaping. I sometimes wonder how fast my reflexes are when navigating these complex situations! Has anyone tried Cps Test online? I found one that was surprisingly insightful – it made me think about reaction times in a new way.
That’s an interesting perspective! I agree that a functioning society needs structure, and schools play a part in that. Regarding the consumption argument, I think societal pressures and advertising probably have a bigger impact than formal education. On a completely different note, if you’re looking for a fun way to unwind and challenge yourself, Geometry Dash is surprisingly engaging. It’s a great way to test your reflexes!
Beyond just cheerful music, Sprunki Retake also hides “Easter Eggs” and mysterious modes (like Horror mode) for players to discover. Inserting special icons onto the right characters will unlock unique animations and melodies you’ve never seen before.
Useful read! For those interested in AI creativity tools, check out Nana Banana AI.
Experience Sprunki Retake on your browser with ease, as you don’t need complicated installation or account registration. Simply open your browser, select your favorite icons, and drop them onto your main character to start your musical party immediately.
This response makes a strong case that public education supports social stability and economic growth rather than undermining independent thought. The idea that schooling balances structure and creativity reminds me of Sprunki Retake , where having clear rules actually helps you create something meaningful instead of limiting you.
Retro Bowl captivates players with its simple gameplay, retro graphics, and high strategic depth. Don’t hesitate, play now!
If you are looking for a light but dramatic browser game, try Drift Boss right away. The feeling of mastering the steering wheel through continuous bends is really exciting.
Unveil the luxury of custom essay writing with a team of experienced professionals that I recently unearthed. Each essay is carefully tailored to your unique requirements, reflecting depth of research and mastery of expression. Say goodbye to academic struggles and embrace a new era of customized excellence.
College students have to remember that the prominent custom essay paper online writing service would aid to get good grades, accomplishing the high quality argumentative term paper. Therefore, it is your choice to buy essay papers or to spend several days just for papers creation!
I appreciate your insights regarding Gatto’s views on the public school system. While I understand your point about the necessity of obedience and respect for authority in maintaining a functioning society, I believe it’s important to consider how the current educational framework can sometimes stifle critical thinking and geometry dash spam individualism.
geometry dash meltdown is not just about speed; it also emphasizes the importance of timing, as missing a tap can lead to crashing and restarting the level.
geometry dash spam is not just about speed; it also emphasizes the importance of timing, as missing a tap can lead to crashing and restarting the level.
Geometry Dash unblocked game is a rhythm-based platformer developed by RobTop Games. The “Unblocked” version refers to the game being accessible on school or work networks where typical gaming sites might be restricted.
Geometry Dash is a rhythm-based platformer developed by RobTop Games.
You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant! paper writing service
An essay is a literary form that allows individuals to express their thoughts and ideas on a particular topic. It typically Allessay.org consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Essays can be informative, persuasive, or reflective, providing a platform for writers to articulate their perspectives. The structure and style of an essay vary based on its purpose, with academic essays adhering to a more formal structure, while personal essays often embrace a more subjective and expressive tone.
The effectiveness of using online resources in education is difficult to overestimate. When I needed to prepare a presentation for an important project, I turned to cheap essay papers. And I understand that this is quite an effective solution to relieve oneself of the burden. One of the key advantages is the possibility to order not only written works, but also professionally prepared presentations. Thanks to their help, I received a visually appealing and meaningful presentation that helped me successfully present my project to the audience.
The Publishing Genie offers top-notch book cover artists for hire who craft visually stunning and genre-specific designs that capture the essence of your book. Our experienced team works closely with you to create a cover that draws attention and entices readers. Whether you’re self-publishing or working with a publisher, we ensure your book stands out on the shelf or online. Get started today with a custom cover that perfectly reflects your story and boosts your book’s appeal!
I’ve always wanted to find a way to make my studies easier, too, especially as the assignments became more and more difficult. I decided to use online help and was very glad that I found nursing homework help. They provided me with professional support and helped me complete all tasks quickly. Thanks to this service, I now have more free time and less stress. If you are looking for reliable homework help, contact them.
I appreciate your insights regarding Gatto’s views on the public school system. While I understand your point about the necessity of obedience and respect for authority in maintaining a functioning society, I believe it’s important to consider how the current educational framework can sometimes stifle critical thinking and individualism.geometry dash meltdown
Urgently needing a reliable essay writing service, I came across a LinkedIn article about the best services for 2024. The author emphasized the importance of criteria such as reliability, writer qualifications, and reasonable prices. Following these recommendations, I chose a service where you can extraessay buy an essay online. This service delivered a high-quality essay on time, which significantly reduced my academic stress and improved my overall performance. The article was a valuable resource in my decision-making process. I recommend it to all students seeking a dependable essay writing service.
The importance of quality professional help lies not only in saving time, but also in obtaining additional benefits. For example, selling real estate always requires maximum attention to detail. After using the services of Homery desing, I saw how much the impression of the object can change. Virtual cleaning made it possible to quickly remove all unwanted elements from photos, which made the object more attractive. This made the process of showing the property to potential buyers much easier. Thanks to this service, I was able to significantly increase interest in my properties and close deals faster.
It’s really convenient to use support. When I was working on my thesis, I felt that I needed cheap essays help with proofreading and editing. Using a proven resource was a great decision. The service offers professional editing services that helped me improve the structure and quality of my work. One of the main advantages is the opportunity to receive expert analysis and recommendations, which allowed me to make the necessary adjustments and significantly raise the level of my thesis. Thanks to this resource, I was able to successfully graduate with honors.
I believe that forward-thinking helps achieve greater results. For instance, I found a reliable partner for completing my academic tasks. This platform offers a wide range of services, including pro essay writing, which encompasses essays, reports, scientific articles, and much more. I appreciate the opportunity to have tasks completed on time without stress and worry.
Andrew,
Having gone to public school myself, I agree with your criticism of Gatto’s assertion that the public school system is made to brainwash students into being more aggressive consumers. Our capitalistic and technological society falls on an upward slope, and as you said, that naturally would cause an increase in consumption as well. However, I challenge your notion that the school system does not create a problematic result. Being obedient, as you mentioned, is not an evil thing and having respect for an authority is certainly necessary in sustaining a non-violent and functioning society. However, where I think this obedience is problematic is in the fact that students are blindly following this system, one which is unfair and biased. The public schools in New Mexico are going to be vastly different than the public schools in Massachusetts. And one’s race, economic status, and cultural capital will determine where they start in the race to make it through the schooling system and find a job. As you said, not everyone can be a leader. But how our society chooses these leaders, and how the schooling system aids in this choice is surely problematic.