Having gone through the school system for the last twelve years, I feel inclined to defend the \u201csystem,\u201d because accepting Gatto\u2019s arguments against schooling would mean that I am merely a dumb, dependent child instead of an independent adult. However, I do see some truth in his essay, based on my experience in the meritocratic school system. The competition among students for grades, various awards, and distinction does divide them and breed the \u201ctrivializing emotions of greed, envy, jealousy, and fear\u201d (Gatto 38). Moreover, the assessment of study material rewards those who simply regurgitate information and punishes those who challenge existing knowledge or authority. In this way, schools produce kids happy to take in information as it is given to them, without questioning or processing it. I think, or at least would like to believe that institutions like Williams try to combat these effects of school. Its seminars and tutorials foster critical thinking and discussion. The lecture classes are more akin to the system, but perhaps they are necessary to enable participation in thoughtful discussion. \u00a0Our class is certainly far from Gatto\u2019s idea of school because it encourages me to challenge traditional notions of politics and even the professor, the supposed authority figure. More importantly, it does not have any mindless assessments. Further proof is that Williams and our class would not allow students to read this essay if they wanted to reinforce Gatto\u2019s claims.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Having gone through the school system for the last twelve years, I feel inclined to defend the \u201csystem,\u201d because accepting Gatto\u2019s arguments against schooling would mean that I am merely a dumb, dependent child instead of an independent adult. However, … Continue reading