Critical Analysis Of Lost In America By Douglas Mcgray

In the article, “Lost in America,” Douglas McGray efficiently attracts attentions to the issue of how American schools are more concerned with learning math and science than foreign subjects like language or foreign cultures. Ironically, McGray asserts that more schools in America are becoming less concerned with teaching language and cultures despite the growing globalization. McGray advocates that learning multiple languages will be beneficial for those working overseas as well as other careers. The article’s target audience is aimed at those concerned with changing school’s curriculum to include various language education. A well-known writer for multiple magazines, McGray published this article in Foreign Policy magazine intending for the

The audience includes people who deal with policy change in government, schoolboards or even parents interested in their child’s education. McGray achieves his purpose by painting a picture of American society today through examples and shows the progression of foreign education through historical evidence. Through anecdotes, expert opinion and statistics, McGray successfully informs the audience of how foreign education is ignored in America despite the growing need for such education in the future and urges change in school curriculum. In the beginning of the essay, McGray shares an anecdote to capture the reader’s interest and put a mirror in front of the audience. The first anecdote offers the perspective of Christina, “a modern, multitasking, American, 15-year old fiddling with an iPod” as she makes the mistake of thinking that the Philippines is located in China

Expert opinions used in McGray’s article are used to offer different perspective of other professionals and experts who weigh in on the discussion. Even though the audience knows McGray’s credibility, more evidence is needed on why the lack of foreign education is a big deal in America. McGray uses the authors of the 1975 Helsinki Accords, which promoted the study of foreign languages, to further illustrate his point quoting, “‘The United States requires far more reliable capacities to communicate with allies, analyze behavior of potential adversaries’”(). The quote beautifully demonstrates how even officials 40 years ago were concerned about the education system not incorporating foreign education in the curriculum. McGray utilizes the quote to show how even in 1975 people were concerned about the lack of foreign education, signifying that this has always been a problem and must be changed. McGray also adds in this expert opinion to offer how learning another language would benefit the future. It would allow workers to better communicate in their careers and analyze possible opportunities in another country. McGray argues, through expert opinions, that there are actually benefits to learning multiple languages. McGray presents these professional’s idea in his article to help strengthen his point and offer multiple ideas on the issue. Professional opinions are