The U.S. looks pretty good to me on a number of dimensions. We have the
finest scientific establishment in the world, the most vibrant pop culture,
the most advanced technology, the freest (and maybe most prolific) press.
The scientists, artists, engineers and writers this country produces is mind
boggling.
These people didn't all get there by bus. Most of today's workers were
educated in the public schools. Whatever their activities were during the
formative years, they seem to have paved the way for massive accomplishment
in the arts, sciences, engineering and journalism. Nor were most of these
people of elite backgrounds, attending only the best schools. We can also
look to our far-reaching critical thinkers in feminism and environmentalism
as further products of public schools, as well as our fine physicians and
nurses (which HMO's, which promised "choice," are doing their best to
undermine). We have excellent librarians, secretaries, forest rangers, and
many, many others in the United States.
There is plenty of need for change in the schools (and the wider society
beyond); everyone on the list seems to agree on that point. This discussion
has pointed to many needed areas of change. But statements about
babysitting, docile workers, and so forth, do not square with what people in
the U.S. do on a regular basis, as part of our everyday activities which
have their roots in public school experience.
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Bonnie A. Nardi
Research Scientist
AT&T Labs West
75 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 463-7064
nardi who-is-at research.att.com
fax:(650) 327-3796
www.best.com/~nardi/default.html