What is the difference between education and indoctrination?
We hear those terms thrown around a lot lately. We see this used as a term of
demographics when trying to make a point - as though "educated"
strictly means possessing a college diploma. Then we hear the word
"indoctrinated" - which is usually a disparaging term. What is the
difference and who can determine that?
Let me start out by answering the question of: "who can
determine that?" As a student of any institution, you should be able to
objectively view your curricula and seek out the information you are trying to
learn. It's called "critical thinking" or in other words, you should
be able to challenge that which is presented without fear of reprisal. If it is
any other way, you may want to reconsider your education options. Critical
thinking does not mean that you are only allowed to express views within a
narrow margin of acceptability, but that you are to use the information that
you are given, process it with your own mind and come to a conclusion. Now,
there ARE wrong conclusions that students can ultimately derive as the end
result, so critical thinking isn't a "free-for-all" of opinion,
however opposing or alternate conclusions (within sane parameters) should be
valued and considered. Many times, revolutionaries have presented ideas that
contradicted conventional ideals and academia - and have changed the world in a
positive way.
What about indoctrination? Indoctrination, by definition, is
to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. Or in other words, critical thinking
is not allowed. Many schools and other institutions of learning claim that they
teach "critical thinking skills" however, when the curricula is
challenged, students meet reprisals in the form of unsatisfactory grades and
public shaming. It is no secret that the majority of university and public
school faculty as well as those writing the textbooks are unabashedly liberal
and their ideals seep into the curricula, even in benign or unrelated subjects.
We also see a few private colleges with far-right biased ideologies that ignore
or discredit that which does not mesh with their theological basis. These are
examples of indoctrination - where facts are suppressed, history is rewritten
and agendas are shamelessly promoted. In those cases, it is the responsibility
of the student to fill in the gaps in order to augment their education or
reeducate themselves with facts - but this must be done on their own time and
on their own terms, otherwise there is the risk of academic penalties.
Education, on the other hand, is the unfiltered truth - the
good, the bad and the ugly. It is nearly impossible for a student to possess
objective critical thinking capabilities when only being exposed to a portion
of the information or blatant falsehoods. This is why it is vitally important
for potential students to do their homework - I mean, do their homework about
the educational institutions that they are planning on attending as part of
their preparation for secondary education. Some degrees are barely worth the
paper they are printed on and some colleges, even some prestigious Ivy League
universities churn out graduates that have very little useful skills or
practical knowledge to enter into a competitive job market, but are merely a
product of social engineering. Education is a valuable resource, but when
education is tainted by misinformation, then it is more damaging to our society
than if we are left to our own devices for our learning. Which is a segue into
what defines "educated."
As a study in demographics, many are led to believe that
those without a college degree are uneducated. This is not necessarily true and
is usually used as a means to disparage those without diplomas - as if their
vote or opinion is devalued because they don't possess a costly piece of paper
or as if they are less qualified at a particular job (even though the job may
be unrelated to their degree) because they haven't learned their skills in a formal classroom
setting. Intelligence is not defined as a level of education, and a level of education
does not necessarily validate a person's intelligence or competence. As a
college graduate or professor, to assume a position of intellectual superiority
(especially in those subjects unrelated to your degree or specialty) over all
those who have not had the privilege of attending a university, is pretentious
and pompousness and amounts to nothing more than elitism through entitlement. I
would assert that there are MANY individuals who truly are educated and whose
knowledge, opinions and skills rival those who have graduated from
universities, even some with advanced degrees. Granted, that some professions
require a degree and passing residency and board certification for their
specialized skills, but those are the exception, not the rule.
A university education is merely one path (out of many)
toward becoming educated, and becoming educated is just as much a proactive
endeavor, requiring integrity and ethical behavior, as a university student, as
those without the privilege of being able to attend a formal classroom setting.
It is sad to say that many students cheat, party or coast their way through
school and nonetheless walk out with the same diploma as those who work hard
and honestly towards their degree... who have truly earned their diploma. The
price of an education goes well beyond the cost of tuition and books, but more
so it is the time and effort spent pursuing your field, researching your
subjects and applying your knowledge. It is delving in beyond the curriculum
presented to you and pouring your whole heart and soul into your current
subject of study... and to accept the good, the bad and the ugly, in all its
glory.
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