While I agree with Gatto\u2019s general argument and recognize the deep structural flaws within our current public school system, particularly in its function as a determinant of position\/success within the social hierarchy (36-37), my main issue with Gatto\u2019s writing is his demonization of conformity and his proposition that autonomy is the best alternative to our current system. Gatto references conformity as a way for government to control the masses, to make people \u201cas alike as possible\u201d and \u201cpredictable\u201d (36), and while it is certainly possible for conformity to be used this way, I do not think that conformity should be seen the enemy. After all, isn\u2019t some level of conformity necessary for a complex society\u2014especially one as large as we have today in America\u2014to function?<\/p>\n
At the end of his article, Gatto leaves us with the idea that we should simply \u201clet [educated men and women] manage themselves\u201d (38). This statement raises a couple of questions in my mind: to what extent should these educated men and women be allowed to manage themselves? Is it possible for a society in which everyone is completely self-governing to survive? In general, I do not think that it is possible.<\/p>\n
– Emily Peckham<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
While I agree with Gatto\u2019s general argument and recognize the deep structural flaws within our current public school system, particularly in its function as a determinant of position\/success within the social hierarchy (36-37), my main issue with Gatto\u2019s writing is … Continue reading