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The Awkward Turtle: Dangerous words threaten education
by Amy Mandel
Columnists | 9/2/08
Posted online at 12:25 AM EST on 9/2/08
Michael Moore is releasing a new book this fall. Paradoxically, the object of the liberal provocateur's book is to get the American public to spend less time reading and more time working for political candidates. Moore has said some outrageous things in the past, but this assertion is one of his most absurd.
I generally agree with Moore's progressive agenda and liberal politics, but this is a step in the wrong direction. If anything, Americans need to read to become more informed in history, science, the arts and classic fiction. Books are vital to the growth of imagination in the young and old alike. In discouraging reading in favor of political action, Moore puts more at risk than just the modern book industry. He risks our entire future as a nation. It seems alarmist to say that an outrageous statement by a man known for making outrageous statements would put the future of the United States at risk, but if his idea becomes a reality, we'd have some serious problems.
"There really is no time for any frivolity," warns Moore, as quoted in a CNN article. It doesn't make sense to read when the political situation is so dire, he said, implying that reading about change isn't going to make change happen. This might be true. However, reading about change might just inspire people to work for change.
Our education system has even more to lose from Moore's suggestion than our political process. American education is already in decline-our students are behind students from most other developed nations. Our public schools face an uphill battle, fighting to teach amid budget cuts and standardized testing.
By discouraging reading, Moore is aiming for adults as a target audience, hoping to persuade them not to read but to work on political campaigns. But if adults stop reading, what will happen to the children? How can a parent who doesn't read act as a good role model for a child struggling to read a book on his own? Haven't kids already stopped reading more than they have to for school? If parents and role models suddenly drop books in favor of politics, children may become even less inclined to read for fun.
I generally agree with Moore's progressive agenda and liberal politics, but this is a step in the wrong direction. If anything, Americans need to read to become more informed in history, science, the arts and classic fiction. Books are vital to the growth of imagination in the young and old alike. In discouraging reading in favor of political action, Moore puts more at risk than just the modern book industry. He risks our entire future as a nation. It seems alarmist to say that an outrageous statement by a man known for making outrageous statements would put the future of the United States at risk, but if his idea becomes a reality, we'd have some serious problems.
"There really is no time for any frivolity," warns Moore, as quoted in a CNN article. It doesn't make sense to read when the political situation is so dire, he said, implying that reading about change isn't going to make change happen. This might be true. However, reading about change might just inspire people to work for change.
Our education system has even more to lose from Moore's suggestion than our political process. American education is already in decline-our students are behind students from most other developed nations. Our public schools face an uphill battle, fighting to teach amid budget cuts and standardized testing.
By discouraging reading, Moore is aiming for adults as a target audience, hoping to persuade them not to read but to work on political campaigns. But if adults stop reading, what will happen to the children? How can a parent who doesn't read act as a good role model for a child struggling to read a book on his own? Haven't kids already stopped reading more than they have to for school? If parents and role models suddenly drop books in favor of politics, children may become even less inclined to read for fun.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
David R. Zukerman Class of '62
posted 9/02/08 @ 9:41 AM EST
When i saw the headline warning that "Dangerous words threaten education," I thought this was a story following up last year's Prof. Hindley matter. To learn that it is about Michael Moore is to wonder why attention should be paid. (Continued…)
Mary Baine Campbell
posted 9/02/08 @ 9:46 AM EST
Dear Ms. Mandel--
I couldn't agree more with you about the importance of reading! But Michael Moore is a professional writer. His books often include incitements to read and encomiums as eloquent as yours on the necessity of it for a functioning, civilized democracy. (Continued…)
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