(I encourage you, dear reader, to read Deschooling Society by Ivan Ilych.  Your library may have a copy or you can access it for free on the internet at http://www.davidtinapple.com/illich/1970_deschooling.html  )

"Many students, especially those who are poor, intuitively know what the schools do for them. They school them to confuse process and substance. Once these become blurred, a new logic is assumed: the more treatment there is, the better are the results; or, escalation leads to success. The pupil is thereby "schooled" to confuse teaching with learning, grade advancement with education, a diploma with competence, and fluency with the ability to say something new. His imagination is "schooled" to accept service in place of value. Medical treatment is mistaken for health care, social work for the improvement of community life, police protection for safety, military poise for national security, the rat race for productive work. Health, learning, dignity, independence, and creative endeavor are defined as little more than the performance of the institutions which claim to serve these ends, and their improvement is made to depend on allocating more resources to the management of hospitals, schools, and other agencies in question."

I see the results of this type of mentality everyday.  As I see problems in my country (the USA), I recognize the truth of the above paragraph.  The US is supposed to be a free country but the school system is very socialized.  The good of the individual is overlooked for the "good" of the masses.  But this "good" for the masses is not really good but just enough to placate the masses.  For example, doctors (from my experience) tend to be frustrated and annoyed when you- a mere patient- try to research health options contrary or just different from what is reccomended, especially if it is non-traditional medicine.  Many people in my country believe we should give up our right to bear arms so that the criminals will have less access to firearms.  But the truth is, if a crime is being committed, most likely the police aren't there- unless the criminal is really stupid!  And I believe that my husband and I feel more responsible for the protection and survival of our family than a stranger would, even if he swears to "serve and protect."  (This is nothing against police officers.  I know they are essential for the existence and functionality of our society.  But logically speaking, they can't be everywhere at once.  And most often aren't even notified until a crime has been committed.  I think an armed citizen is a benefit to the police force.  It allows them to do their jobs more effectively and quickly.)  Many "careers" or "jobs" replace our identity.  We become "teachers," "doctors," "police officers," "insurance agents," "salesmen," "lawyers," "dentists," "factory workers," "punch press operators," "mechanics," etc., etc., etc. instead of human beings with names created uniquely by God for His glory.  Individualism is stifled for a mob mentality.  Those who rage against it usually end up forced into conformity by the opposition.  I thank God that I know that my purpose is to serve God and enjoy Him forever.  I try to share this purpose with everyone whom God places in my path.  My prayer is that you, dear reader, discover this as well.  God bless you in your walk of faith.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!