Essay about Unattainable Success

Submitted By hsdenison
Words: 1408
Pages: 6
Open Document
Ever since the 1950’s this country has exploded with the desire to break the mold and celebrate individuality. So why then does the educational system still punish us for not fitting in? Both John Taylor Gatto and Reg Weaver feature this question in their writings, but each have their own strategies for fixing the dilemma. Gatto focuses more on getting the reader to realize that the system is solely set up with the desire to make society easier to manage. Weaver on the other hand, talks more about the increased emphasis on standardized testing. Both agree though that the system is too broad, and set up much too similar to a factory line. According to these two authors, celebrating individuality is the key to effectively educating the youth such that they will actually learn to break the mold and get a chance to acquire success. In Gatto’s essay, Against School, he brings to his readers’ attentions what he thinks are the utmost problems with our educational system. He believes more than anything that there is too much structure, and not enough freedom. He says that instead of forced schooling, maybe homeschooling has the right idea. Students should be able to focus more on what they want to do instead of having a set list of core requirements to attend to throughout their educational career. He also brings up another major point when he says, “We have been taught in this country to think of ‘success’ as synonymous with, or at least dependent upon, ‘schooling’” (Gatto 25). Why should success be determined by how much schooling we have had and how many years of education we have survived? Gatto thinks that the quantity of schooling a child has gone through is not an appropriate way to determine our achievements. Lots of people around the world have made it big without even stepping foot in a public school. According to Collins World English Dictionary the definition of success is, “the favorable outcome of something attempted” (“Collins”). So why is it that we focus all of our attention to grades and everything else that comes with forced schooling? Why don’t we just celebrate a student’s desire to learn more? According to Gatto, the educational system should encourage students to focus on subjects that interest them, so that they have a better chance of success. Weaver’s essay focuses on the problems with the “one-size-fits all approach” that the system prides itself in. The biggest issue he addresses is standardized testing and how the system focuses the majority of its attention on it. He can not stand that schools are taking away all of the things he thinks are the most important for students to learn to make way for more and more testing. On top of that they expect every student to have the exact same style and pace to learning, and if you do not make the cut then you are not as successful as the others. He backs his feelings up when he says, “An astonishing 155 elementary and middle schools and 88 high schools were identified as ‘in need of improvement’ under the federal law” (Weaver 8). How can it be that the majority is in jeopardy of failure according to the system? Is that not direct proof that something has to be wrong? Everyone develops at their own pace, and not everyone can reach the goals of the government at the rate that they expect. Weaver thinks we need to follow the progress of individuals rather than simply grouping people by age. Both writers agree that the system needs to be fixed, and that most of all there should be more of an emphasis on the individual throughout the school system in America. The two agree that a student’s success should not be determined on how much schooling they have had because everyone is unique. The whole reasoning behind the problem, is that the way the system was set up in the first place was meant for a completely different time and set of people. The educational system was originally designed to make the people manageable, rather than encouraging true success within
Show More

Related Documents: Essay about Unattainable Success

How Is Gatsby Trying To Achieve The American Dream

and riches. The people that come to America are promised hope that they will flourish in life and achieve fortune, whether that be monetary success or emotional security. F. Scott Fitzgerald displays the effects that come with the never ending effort of trying to achieve the American Dream. In the novel The Great Gatsby, the American Dream becomes unattainable ideal for Gatsby. To begin with, Gatsby has an everlasting hope of getting with a girl named Daisy, a girl he has known since he served in…

Words 620 - Pages 3

American Dream Unattainability

achieve mobility and success through hard work alone. As doubts about the American Dream continue to increase, it prompts a reconsideration of the promise of America. The American Dream, perceived as an attainable ideal of prosperity and opportunity, has come under increasing questioning in society. Through observations of wealth disparities, homeownership rates, and shifting attitudes towards social mobility, it becomes evident that for many Americans, the dream is unattainable. Discrimination, such…

Words 953 - Pages 4

American Dream Still Alive Research Paper

similar struggles financially. Lastly, Rick Rigby, whose father was a dropout in the third grade, could have been a challenge, but he defied the hand he was dealt and viewed his father as one of the wisest people he knows and he credits most of his success to. The ‘Two American…

Words 786 - Pages 4

Examples Of Imperialism In The Poisonwood Bible

family. Back in China, my parents had the goal of experiencing the American Dream for themselves but it was ultimately for us, their children. It was their concept of an irreplaceable birthday present, which was to have the opportunity of “guaranteed” success that China lacked. While mentioning the American Dream, America has a history of showing off its global dominance. America takes pride in what many call a “taking charge” attitude and the idea that American culture will be accepted wherever it went…

Words 199 - Pages 1

Gail Joyner: Growing Up In The Classroom

great leader because she was able to influence the determinations of her students and team to the success of greater things, in the classroom, in cheerleading but more importantly, everyday life. Mrs. Joyner had a tough love approach. She was often very aggressive, but I later learned it was because she was passionate. In practice and competitions, she wanted to see us succeed. Bringing a vision of success to life. A great leader is inspiring. She was once a young black girl growing up in New York and…

Words 382 - Pages 2

Parents Set Expectations In Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club

Precisely how much do your parents care for you? Do they love you enough to lead you down the right path, or do they allow you to take the road less traveled? Parents often set expectations for their children so that they have an idea as to what to pursue in life. Despite the fact that they do this with the best intentions, parents do not realize the burden that it puts on the children’s shoulders. Parents set expectations believing that it will give purpose to their child’s life and help lead them…

Words 390 - Pages 2

Personal Responsibility Essays

Robert Wilson Gen 200 12 August 2013 Huberta Gunn (DRAFT) It is no secret that success can be seen as a direct correlation to personal responsibility. Individuals who have gained any degree of personal success likely could not have done so without the ability to take full responsibility for their lives. Personal responsibility can be achieved by maintaining discipline, acquiring time management skills and holding yourself accountable for your actions. With effort, this would help…

Words 518 - Pages 3

Fitzgerald's Winter Dream In The Great Gatsby

individuals, someone who tempted by wealth and social status without concern of effects it may cause. In the winter’s dream, Fitzgerald does an amazing job at creating a character that fit this mold. Dexter is an middle class outsider that craves success but isn't ready to deal with the cost that it comes at. He’s blinded by the appeal…

Words 313 - Pages 2

Death of a salesman Essay

In Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Willy Loman, a man hopelessly chasing the “American Dream”, is unsuccessful in his journey to “paradise.” The “American Dream” is the belief that through hard work, patience, and courage, one can achieve success and wealth, no matter where they come or start from. This is why people come to America. It is what many Americans live by, and what all Americans truly desire. Miller portrays the concept of the “American Dream” by connecting it to Willy’s purpose…

Words 542 - Pages 3

The Great Gatsby Research Paper

millions who ignore the American opinion and come to this country for opportunity, a dream that has been the promise of every American citizen; however, it has been increasingly evident that the alleged “American Dream” is becoming progressively unattainable, assimilating into the history of the United States as an ideal—a From the tears of the coal miners who built this country to the struggles of today's arts graduates trying to gain their footing, the American Dream's manipulation has made it so…

Words 1517 - Pages 7