Education meets Criticism Education is one of the most widely debated issues of our country in this current day and age. Many people feel as though schooling is biased and unfair to certain students; meanwhile, others feel as though the schooling systems are not serious enough in order to properly educate students to prepare them for their futures. The three texts that will be discussed, are all well written controversial essays that use a great deal of rhetorical appeals which help readers relate to the topics being discussed. In the essay “School,” Mori manages to specify her views on how different modern education is in America as to Japan; meanwhile, in “A Talk to Teachers,” Baldwin presents his argument as to how all children, no matter …show more content…
Mori’s purpose for writing this essay is so that citizens of America realize that learning and receiving an education is a gift that not everyone is granted. Mori wants to show this point in order to make Americans realize that they take advantage as well as think nothing of such a serious matter. She develops her thesis by using her knowledge and experience from both Japanese and American schooling to form the compare and contrast format as well as breaking up her essay into eight sections. In conveying her perspective, Mori incorporates an appeal to ethos in order to enhance the validity of her essay. “Many Americans in their thirties and forties go back to college to get trained for a different line of work or to pursue a lifelong interest they couldn’t afford to study earlier. Until they are in need of such second chances, most Americans take college for granted because they are always there--almost any adult can get into some college at any age.” This shows how Americans do not truly understand how crucial and lucky the opportunity of education is when bestowed upon us. With that, Mori elaborates more on the ‘ie’ system of education in Japan through reference to her cousin, Kazumi’s, circumstance of being jeopardized of succeeding in school due to an earthquake. “Even though the letter said that we didn’t necessarily have to have a nice kimono if our family suffered such a great damage that we had no money, the tone was very condescending--and it was obvious that they were really saying that we should rent one no matter what the cost.” From this reference, it was visible that Kazuma and her family were going through an incredibly tough time recovering from the traumatizing experience; furthermore, the teachers didn’t show much if any sympathy for her when they told her that she must have a kimono dress for the annual certificate ceremony knowing she had
Matsumoto studies three generations, Issei, Nisei, and Sansei living in a closely linked ethnic community. She focuses her studies in the Japanese immigration experiences during the time when many Americans were scared with the influx of immigrants from Asia. The book shows a vivid picture of how Cortex Japanese endured violence, discriminations during Anti-Asian legislation and prejudice in 1920s, the Great Depression of 1930s, and the internment of 1940s. It also shows an examination of the adjustment period after the end of World War II and their return to the home place.
This is the setting, background, and characters of Mike’s tale of “the struggles and achievements of America’s educationally underprepared”. Through this book Mike constantly emphasizes three main themes. First, the importance of an educational mentor; later in this article we will examine several of Mike’s mentors. Second, social injustices in the American education system; specifically the lack of funding and bureaucracy’s affect on the public educational system. Third and lastly, specific teaching methods that Mike has used to reach out to kids on the boundary.
'Even with all the mental anguish and struggle, an elemental instinct bound us to this soil. Here we were born; here we wanted to live. We had tasted of its freedom and learned of its brave hopes for democracy. It was too late, much too late for us to turn back.' (Sone 124). This statement is key to understanding much of the novel, Nisei Daughter, written by Monica Sone. From one perspective, this novel is an autobiographical account of a Japanese American girl and the ways in which she constructed her own self-identity. On the other hand, the novel depicts the distinct differences and tension that formed between the Issei and Nisei generations. Moreover, it can be seen as an attempt to describe the confusion experienced by Japanese Americans torn between two cultures.
This was about three decades after the Shogunate government, which was a reign that was responsible for protectionists, had collapsed. A lot of Japanese people were embarrassed by the huge change but soon rose up to create a “strong” country like European nations. My school’s founder, Jinzo Naruse, was one of the people who rose up. Naruse, as a pioneer, thought that women’s education was important in order for Japan to become a powerful nation. Women are the people who raise up their children, some of whom might become the future leaders of the country. Therefore, he decided to create the education system to have educated mothers. Before Naruse established the first women’s educational system in Japan, he visited the United States, a country with a strong women’s education system he wished to model. As I read Kimmel’s article, I felt the United States was truly developed in women’s education because many feminist supporters had already started their movement even before 1900s. I now understood why Naruse went abroad to the United States to learn about its women’s educational
Labaree discusses how the United State’s education is in a school syndrome, as people in America want schools to teach society’s ideals as well as let people express their individuality. These two demands are polar opposites that cannot be achieved. As the focus goes towards balancing these in hopes of improving society as a whole, the bettering of actual student learning is put on pause. Labaree talks about the beginning of education reform, in the 19th century, being the most successful in developing society; however, as education reform continued throughout time, its effectiveness wore off. He then addresses how the desire for education reform is more about improving society than it is about learning. He finishes his argument by providing possible solutions to fixing this problem, but states that fixing this problem will never happen because no one is willing to give up both demands. Overall, Labaree goes in wonderful detail explaining the problems of education reform. What made me choose this article was that he addressed the desire that people have on school systems in promoting both society normality and individuality. This correlates well with my topic in whether public school systems promote conformist ideals or individuality.
The average human would think that going to school and getting an education are the two key items needed to make it in life. Another common belief is, the higher someone goes with their education, the more successful they ought to be. Some may even question if school really makes anyone smarter or not. In order to analyze it, there needs to be recognition of ethos, which is the writer 's appeal to their own credibility, followed by pathos that appeals to the writer’s mind and emotions, and lastly, logos that is a writer’s appeal to logical reasoning. While using the three appeals, I will be analyzing “Against School” an essay written by John Taylor Gatto that gives a glimpse of what modern day schooling is like, and if it actually help kids
Many Americans do not question the credibility of the education system within the country because they believe it forms good citizens and creates a stepping-stone to success. John Taylor Gatto is an American teacher who has experience in the classroom for thirty years and has now devoted his life to critiquing American schools exploiting his own experiences. In his essay “Against School”, he argues that the 12-year system of school may not be necessary, due to its curriculum, and that it may be a tactic of manipulation from the government to promote obedience. I agree with his argument because there are many paths to individual success outside of public education, such as homeschooling or vocational school.
This article points out the flaws in our modern education systems. Students should enjoy school and feel as though they are learning important things in the subjects offered. The classes can be altered to tend to the interests of children, so they can properly express themselves. School should be preparing children to be mature, how to handle hard situations, and ultimately prepare them for their future lives. Overall, Gatto’s article has its flaws, but it can be used to help improve the education system for upcoming
In an incredibly accurate and brutally honest point of view, James Baldwin asserts what he believes to be both purpose and problems of the academic system in, “A Talk to Teachers”. Baldwin begins his argument by boldly attributing the purpose of education to, “perpetuate the aims of society” (Baldwin 2). With this simple
John Taylor Gatto in his essay “Against School” explains the lack of motivation that students have to the educational system of the USA. He also explains the damage that the system makes to both, students and teachers, by the non-interesting topics they are taught class. Furthermore, he enlightens the indifference of students towards the teacher, seem as incompetent and unprepared. In addition, he also highlights the dark side of the school system which intends to brainwash and rescind the ideas from students. He addresses a main goal of the educational system; convert juveniles into the next docile and manageable generation. Wherefore, he proposes an educational system that should be structured and not controlled. In addition,
It’s no surprise that there are faults within our schools in today’s society. As both authors’ point out if our educational system is
We live in a society where we are surrounded by people telling us that school/education and being educated is the only way to succeed. However, the school system is not up to the standards we want it to uphold. There are three issues we discuss the most which are the government, the student, and the teacher. In John Taylor Gatto 's essay “Against School”, we see the inside perspective of the educational system from the view of a teacher. In “I Just Wanna Be Average”, an essay written by Mike Rose, we hear a student 's experience of being in a vocational class in the lower level class in the educational system when he was supposed to be in the higher class.
She specifically emphasizes on the providence given by the American education system to resume studies after a break. In Japan, this provision is not provided for. Many of the students were of the view that the American education is quite superior compared to the Japanese education system. They observed that the learning environment is more learner-oriented. Specifically, they noted the keen follow-up on students ' assignments, which is not evident in the Japanese system. They also emphasized the cordial relationship between teachers and the students. However, they noted that the Japanese system might be more superior in the sense that students are more serious about their studies since it may cost their lifetime. In the Japanese system, the ministry of education as opposed to the American system designs the curriculum where the curriculum is designed by the state. This affirms the fact that the government greatly influences what is taught in schools. It is noted that "This limits the role played by curriculum developers hence weakening the education system" (Kim). Hence, the fact that each state is given freedom to design its curriculum creates disparity in the education system. This action was greatly objected by the students interviewed as they viewed it as a method of enhancing disparity in the education system. They also claimed that it caused discrimination when seeking interstate job
The starting of the essay “WELCOME AND COGRATULATIONS” is the main sign that Edmunson’s claim has a kairos because it is a phrase to start in the context related by the author and its composition. But also, the author establishes credibility when he shares his experiences in College as a student and as a Professor. This means that the evidence shown among the paper are primary source narrates from the mouth of someone involved in the American education system. From my point of view, the “Who Are You And What Are You Doing Here?” essay innovates the style to describe and analyze events that many people have experienced in any time of their life. Throughout the reading of this essay, I found agreements and disagreements points with the author’s opinion. In the following paragraphs, I will state my perception of this composition.
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the American educational system has undergone much transition in response to our changing society. Though there have been many problems raised throughout the years in regard to what our school systems should be teaching our children, there have also been many developments.