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The Degrading Quality of Education in America: Idiot Nation by Michael Moore and Against School by John Taylor Gatto

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Schools are the basic foundation of knowledge, which is imparted to children. They give a chance for children to gain knowledge in various fields such as humanity, literature, history, mathematics and science. By obtaining knowledge, they are in a better position to know the world around them. A school is a society where faith and other values are developed. Schools also play an important role in a democratic social set up. Students of today are the citizens of tomorrow. Schools are the backbone of a society, where children interact with other children and develop certain social skills. Education in schools opens doors to various opportunities that would not be possible if it had not been for the knowledge one gained at school. However, in …show more content…

By being cynical, Moore presents a strongly organized argument by relating himself to the audience and by getting the reader involved emotionally. Throughout his article Moore lists different examples to illustrate how our nation is becoming less intelligent. With these examples he grabs the attention of the readers. One such example is when Moore highlights what President George Bush spoke during his address to Yale, “And to the C students, I say you, too, can be the presidents of United States” (Moore 123)! By citing such short example Michael Moore proves his argument about the “Ignoramus Nation” to be true. John Taylor Gatto’s article is argumentative as it questions the incapacities of public school education. He also argues that the motive of schooling is just to teach students and not encourage them to think. He also argues as to how schooling was created to make the children good citizens thereby keeping the society safe. Overall Gatto is trying to claim that this education system is the main reason for boredom among children. In general, the audience of Moore is the people of America who he puts on blame for creating a shoddy education system which has been producing more idiots every year. However, he creates a formal affinity with people who think Americans are ignorant and not bothered about the future of this

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