No need for school

Well, this essay was epic. It is definitely mind-blowing to think that our school system is designed to suppress rather than free us. However, to some extent I can agree with this argument. Our education systems are falling further and further behind other countries' based on achievement when we claim to be one of the best in the world. And also, the American populace is a perfect indicator that Gatto is correct. We can see the results of his supposed "factories" around us today, with individuals caught up in conformity and consumerism rather than individuality and independence. People are too dependent on quick entertainment like television and other easy means of staying away from boredom. Gatto's idea (really his grandfather's, I suppose), that boredom is only your own fault, is also revelatory. I love the concept and agree that schools everywhere are full of bored students who should be finding ways of making their own entertainment. However, despite all the evidence for Gatto's theory, smoke does not always mean fire. I still have trouble believing that our leaders are deliberately using our "education" to suppress us, although I could see this result being an accident that our leaders are unwilling to break free from. I agree with much of what Gatto says but find such a conspiracy hard to fully accept, although maybe that is because I myself spent time in public schools...