Although Conrack was released forty-six years ago, the problems in
public education that it identifies continue to persist in our nation’s public schools today, including the
public school system’s aim to dehumanize and control people in order to fit them for the corporate
workforce by [X] repressing their individuality, [Y] locking them into a permanent state of
childishness, and [Z] depriving them of a liberal education.
To understand the problems in public education identified in the movie Conrack and their persistence today, let's break them down into three main points:
[X] Repressing Individuality: In the movie Conrack, the public school system is depicted as aiming to dehumanize and control people, forcing them to fit into a mold that is required by the corporate workforce. To see if this issue persists today, you can look into the ways in which schools promote conformity and standardized learning. This can include observing how teachers prioritize standardized tests over individualized learning, whether creativity and critical thinking are encouraged or stifled, and if there is a lack of emphasis on student's unique talents and interests.
[Y] Locking Students into a Permanent State of Childishness: Another issue depicted in the movie is the public school system's tendency to keep students in a perpetual state of immaturity. To understand if this problem still exists, you can investigate whether the curriculum and teaching methods prioritize rote memorization and regurgitation of information rather than fostering independent thinking, problem-solving skills, and maturity. Additionally, you can examine if there is a lack of opportunities for students to take responsibility, make decisions, and engage in real-world applications of their knowledge.
[Z] Deprivation of a Liberal Education: In the movie, the public school system is shown as depriving students of a liberal education, which encompasses a well-rounded curriculum that includes the arts, humanities, and social sciences. To determine whether this issue persists today, you can research the state of arts and humanities programs in public schools, if there is an overemphasis on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) at the expense of other disciplines, and whether subjects like history, literature, and critical thinking remain an integral part of the education system.
To gather more specific information and insights on these issues, you could refer to educational research, studies, and articles, as well as interviews with educators, students, and parents. Additionally, you can explore reports and data from educational organizations or government institutions focused on education reform and policy. By examining these sources, you can gain a deeper understanding of how the problems identified in Conrack continue to impact public education today.