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What does America need from her citizens?
From the book: Chum for Thought: Throwing Ideas into Dangerous Waters by David Satterlee
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Chum For Thought: Throwing Ideas into Dangerous Waters |
What does America need from her citizens?
I am struck by two dramatically different ideals of
citizenship that are currently being promoted. These are fundamentally opposed
cultural and political belief systems. I’ll compare these in the areas of human
nature, education, work, and citizenship.
1] One idea is that we are fallen, weak, unable to manage
ourselves, and in constant need of strong guidance, rules, and punishment. All
children are born rebellious and need strict control so as to learn values,
accept limits, and thereby lead a good life.
Children go to school to learn what experts have decided
that they need to know. This includes how to obey authority, stay on task, and
work together in groups.
This kind of education, common from the start of the
industrial revolution, trains workers for manufacturing and service employment.
These students are able to comply with supervision and management by their
superiors — without exercising independent judgment or becoming a disruptive influence.
This prepares them to be obedient followers and worker drones.
2] An alternate idea is that a Democracy requires
participation by a widely-informed citizenry accustomed to reasoning on ideas,
discussing alternatives, and making choices.
People are assumed to be fundamentally decent, inquisitive,
and capable of learning how to make good choices. Children can and should be
shown that they are worthy and able to
