In his book, The End of Education, Neil Postman expounds the flaws in the modern
American education system and refutes the ideas of multiple narratives as means
of connecting education with value. Postman, a former schoolteacher, rightfully
points out that these traditional methods of explaining the purposes, or “ends”
of education are wearing out. In his most resonant commentary on these
traditionally perceived ends, Postman asserts that “the god of Economic
Utility…offers a covenant of sorts with [students]: If you will pay attention
in school, and do your homework, and score well on tests, and behave yourself,
you will be rewarded with a well-paying job when you are done” (Postman). But
in the Darwinian economy of today, this narrative is becoming harder and harder
for students to achieve. Furthermore, the god of Economic Utility has clouded
our vision in terms of what school subjects are valuable. The long-held grasp
on the god of Economic Utility, in the pure denotation of the phrase, has
fostered a society in which it is believed that the most valuable subjects taught
in school are those that relate to practical careers and a stable income. From
this list of subjects, we are conditioned to exclude liberal arts as it is
wrongly assumed that there are hardly any “useful jobs” associated with the
studies of English and the humanities. On the contrary, the president of Dickinson
College, William G. Durden, argues that degrees in liberal arts are what gave
him the tools of communication and experience that opened doors to a variety of
fields, such as being “a military officer, a pre-collegiate teacher,
administrator, and coach.” So we see that liberal arts can actually create a
well-rounded individual and broaden job opportunities. On a final note, this
narrative of Economic Utility is not only evident in school, but in the workplace
as well. Many live under the false conception that one who works hard at their
job will somehow elevate their career. However, in the competitive job market
of today, it comes to no surprise that the American underemployment rate
accounts for a soaring 17% of the population.
Many Americans take pride in their
cultural value of having a strong of work ethic, but in then end, clinging too
tightly to this value has a rendered a society with many who want to work hard but
with little work to be done. Isn’t this consistent with what Alduous Huxley
suggested would be the fate of society, that “what we love will ruin us”
(Postman)?
Works Cited
Durden, William G. "Essay on the Idea of a Useful Liberal Arts." N.p.: InsideHigherEd.com, 2012. N. pag. Print.
Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. New York: Viking, 1985. Print.
Postman, Neil. The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School. New York: Knopf, 1995. Print.
Marcus, I appreciate all the ideas and sources that you weave into a single reaction. When you bring in the comments by William Durden regarding his strength through a liberal arts education, you really support Postman's ideas. Certainly, the value of a liberal arts education, in the experience, worldly awareness, and insight one can provide, is being diminished by modern trends. As Postman describes, the God of Economic Utility has almost blinded our current education system, funneling people down a path most subservient to market trends and growth.
ReplyDeleteI like how you raise a comment on unemployment. You allude briefly to our nation's traditional concept of a "Protestant work ethic", and how this ethic kept many people employed and fulfilled. Now, during an economic trial, have people become disillusioned with promises and rewards that once commanded their attention?
However, I also believe that many careers currently favored by society are rightfully chosen. Regardless of the God of Economic Utility, some professions are simply necessary for stability and quality of life within society. Medical professionals and engineers are the two most obvious examples of worthy and desired individuals. We should be careful, in our evaluation of "good" education, not to swear allegiance to one strict form, liberal arts or otherwise.
Marcus, I like your post. I agree with you on the god of Economic Utility for I too believed in it. After reading this book however, I realize that the reward of getting a well paying job is not guaranteed. With this in mind, I questioned many of my work ethics. Also, I cannot believe the underemployment rate is so high! Hopefully schools will be able to change in order to create a new purpose or "end" by following one of the narratives Postman describes in the second half of the book.
ReplyDeleteVery well-written reaction post--and bonus points for quoting the former president of my alma mater!
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