By analogizing it to “warehouses” and “social machines,” Gatto effectively diminishes schooling as a method for conformity and institutionalized practices. Honestly speaking, I can’t say I entirely disagree with Gatto’s assessment. As part of a select privileged few who are able to attend a prestigious college such as Williams, we may look back at our education and say that it was worthwhile, necessary, and beneficial. Even with Gatto’s criticisms in mind, I would say that now. But I would also that our education comes with a price: it comes with the price of only knowing how to act after we are familiar with the pre-established rules. Say, for example, that our Intro to Comparative Politics was taught as a lecture course. No raising of hands to express opinions, no anecdotes shared, no discussion. Simply facts and readings. What would the knowledge we gathered at the end of the semester look like then? I think it would look entirely different than what it will in a few months. When we aren’t allowed to engage with the material we learn, we process information differently. Even now I catch myself in the trap of using the word “allow.” But when everyone is so worried about acquiring a good grade, it certainly does feel like there is a system—within you; outside of you; somewhere—that holds power over you. In a world where schooling and meritocracy are of upmost importance, society teaches us to govern ourselves in a specific way.
Introduction to Comparative Politics: Nationalism, Ideology, and State Power
Professor Shervin Malekzadeh
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I completely agree that the lessons we learn in the classroom vary drastically based on how they are presented to us. The system, although it may not be apparent, is omnipresent. It is prudent to acknowledge that classes would appear differently based on how they are presented, and students would take away different knowledge. I like your point about looking back at our educations, as clearly, they were imperative in our acceptance to Williams. However, in the case in my school, students learned how to work the system, and how to get the highest grades with minimal effort. We did exorbitant amounts of “busy work” and were able to get around assignments with the right excuse. I do feel as though my education was beneficial, however, with Gatto’s points, it was clearly systemized. If we look closely at the educational system, like you mentioned, it is evident that there is a power over us. I really like this point as it reminds me of The Handmaid’s Tale and 1984. Is it possible to recreate the education system in a way that reteaches the youth and reduces the pressure to “conform”? Or are we too deep into societal pressures that we can never escape the trap of meritocracy and overachieving?