German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804) declared the Enlightenment creed in 1784: Sapere aude! "Dare to Know!" The Enlightenment was a period of intense intellectual fervor and advancement that we can date from 1650 to 1800. During this period, philosophers, intellectuals, scientists, and laymen began to question and challenge the authority of the Church and State in a frenzied pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the world. The roots of the Enlightenment begin with the Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries, when scientists such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton made discoveries that shook the very foundation of Church dogma, creating a bitter, antagonistic relationship between religion and science that continues to this day. The Age of Exploration introduced Europeans to new cultures, new religions, and new ideas that opened the doors to innovative and novel ways of thinking. Also, the explorers brought back with them new plants and animals that added fuel to the scientific curiosity sweeping across Europe. These two factors led to the declining influence of the Church and to the rise of either religious reform or the abandonment of religion altogether. The Enlightenment saw the rise of Deism as an alternative to organized religions, differing from the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) in that it viewed God as a sort of "cosmic watchmaker" who created the universe and set it in autonomous motion and never again tampered with it. They fulminated against the dogma and doctrines of organized religion and believed god's revelation to mankind existed in man's communion with nature, not through the hearsay of prophets and the Bible. Contrary to popular belief, many of the founding fathers of the United States were Deists, not Christians.
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The criteria for education on the college level is often bias and economically influenced, rather than intelligence and achievement based. This presents an unfair stature for those who excel academically, but do not possess the economical resources to succeed in today’s society. Today, money is utilized as a crutch. The wealthy coast through life without having to lift so much as a finger, while the less fortunate often struggle due to the lack of opportunity to learn and succeed. Those seeking education should be judged and rewarded based on aptitude and accomplishment rather than inheritance and economic status. Hard-work and the desire to learn should be more significant than the donation of a new building, economic stature, or family legacy. A new government made education system could give each student an equal opportunity to succeed solely based on achievement. With the use of tax money, the government can issue grants to hard-working students with good grades. For example, when a student gets an A in History, he or she will be rewarded with one hundred dollars towards his or her college fund. The harder working a student is, the less he or she will have to pay for college. Because these hardworking students are the future of America, the other members of society should most definitely agree to pay higher taxes to allow the success of these young adults.
^ Shannon Roberto and Kerry Lang did that blog too!
Isabel, Jared, Sean, and Coco
Competition gives motivation and reason for self-improvement; however, by being in a cutthroat world it ends up in weak standards in many areas to improve advertise-able strengths. Economic competition within schooling hinders the educational system by the constant battle between private and public schools and a decrease in the quality of teachers. Private schools always contain the smarter teachers, the stronger athletes, and the newer accessories. However, eighty-nine percent of all American children attend a public school, a school with broken desks, torn textbooks, and the epitome of terrible teachers. Clearly, America deserves its spot as thirtieth in the world for quality of education. Every year, parents dish out thousands of dollars towards private schooling, giving their children a head start in the race of education. Public schools are now far behind, and need to cut funding to combat the competition of loosing their “clients” to private schools. Being above the regular standards of schooling, private schools have the freedoms to teach what they want and raise the bar to advance the education of every student. The freedom private schools cherish travels a long way, just as John Locke talks about; freedom benefits everyone, forming a community, giving values every parent wants. By just giving public schools more freedom, students would finally be able to think for themselves and become enlightened. But the vicious grip of the ongoing battle of private versus public strangles programs to the lowest brinks in public schools. For example, when a parent donates a new gym to a private school, to keep up, a public school needs to cut funding in art or music programs to show they are just as current as the private schools. Now, students do not have an equal opportunity to do what they love, and the next Van Gogh or Jimmy Hendrix dissipates into empty space. Money problems do not only affect the school as a whole, but the teachers and every young mind they come in contact with. Public schools very often settle for the less qualified teacher, the cheaper teacher. Teaching is a difficult task, it takes more than distributing homework and notes; teachers need to spark the desire for learning along with providing information. Students will not expand their horizons if they consider learning a nuisance and a bore. Being such a difficult task, hiring teachers should be just as difficult. It is now the standard to hire the less experienced teachers, if anyone has a PhD in teaching they become overqualified and finds it impossible to get a job, and this shows the despicable attitude towards education in America. Competition between the two extreme schools hinders the learning process. If the surplus of money found within private schools were distributed throughout public schools, to make a fair learning environment throughout the country, then the attitude towards learning would change each future generation. John Locke states every human is a blank slate, ready to be molded into the human they become. By reforming the education system eighty-nine percent of the blank slates will finally be morphed into the next honest captains of industry or revolutionary philosophers. Only having the elite experience higher-end schooling forces the majority of America to become apathetic nobodies with little education and no desire for wisdom. Reform must happen soon, for now that the problem has been faced and identified, the generations of children now in this public education system cannot be allowed to suffer any longer. It is also necessary to react now as New Jersey has just elected a governor whose main education plans are to support and endorse private schooling. Millions of children are deprived of the initial opportunity to become something great because of the constant struggle between public and private schools and the lowering of public education standards.
Amelia, Elise, Beth
Higher authorities restrict the options and choices of all free men. These captions of industry manufacture the idea that society members have no other option but to pursue a life based on consumerist ideals; however, this is unnatural. In today’s society, people choose the jobs that provide a higher income not only to support themselves, but also to satisfy their materialistic nature. People want and are granted the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In order to utilize these rights, society as a whole must learn that accomplishments are not based on the money made, but the personal fulfillment acquired. To achieve this feeling of fulfillment one must allocate time for leisure. All jobs must be placed under the same level of respect, which would prevent certain individuals from gaining power and rising above the free society. This would benefit society by creating a healthier mind set, as people become happier due to less stress and pressure to peruse fields that are unappealing. While restructuring society may seem daunting, it is natural for humans to change society in order to benefit themselves.
Amanda C, Kendall, Emily
In today’s society, equal opportunity is nearly inconceivable as wealth and influence seem to overpower raw talent and aptitude to excel. People, more often than ever, look towards wealth to determine a person’s place in society and education alike. John Locke states in his “Two Treatises of Government” in Chapter 2, Section 7, “…in [a] state of perfect equality…there is no superiority…of one man over another…” (Locke 1). Even among the ranks of education, some schools reign superior to others. The unequal footing of private and public education proves this. Private schools are funded by the astronomical tuition each student must pay; thus, the private school child is typically opulent and living comfortably. Due to the never-ending funds (parent’s bank accounts) private schools have to fish from, they often have better resources such as computers, technology, and classrooms, as parents are willing to donate extra money to private schools to ensure that their son or daughter is getting an education that puts a public education to shame. Public schools, however, funded by taxes, don’t have the resources for new computers, state of the art technology, or the money to provide an education that shatters that of private schools. Thus, unequal opportunity arises between the public school student and the private school student. Locke stresses the importance of equality. For example, he states in Chapter 2, Section 6, “…every one…that being all equal and independent… [are] all the workmanship of one omnipotent and infinitely wise maker…” (Locke 1). By saying this, Locke places all of mankind on equal footing. However, through the development of classes and wealth, the careful balance of equality between men has been disturbed, and there is no longer perfectly equal opportunity. Now, money has provided more opportunity for the wealthy, while others are forced to work hard for opportunity. Everybody deserves the same education despite how much money he or she may inherit when he or she grows up. Because of this, private education should cease to exist. Perhaps private school parents will now pour their excess wealth into improving public education, increasing the resources available to public schools. Putting all students on equal educational footing by abolishing private schooling is necessary to promote equal opportunity for students with different backgrounds, social standings, income, and living conditions. Wealth should not be a factor in determining the quality of education a student gets; the only factor that should be determined is willingness to learn. John Locke preaches equal opportunity for all. Equal opportunity in life starts with equal opportunity in education, which can be achieved by abolishing private schools and placing all students on equal footing to learn.
It is evident that in several elections, especially Presidential elections, that money has more power over the vote than the quality of the candidate. Today, the money that is used to advertise and bribe voters is a huge part of the election. It has been brought to light that money most likely has been the reason for the large amount of votes some candidates have received, therefore allowing them to win the election. The influence of money in elections is not fair for the candidates. The rules of the elections should be changed to accommodate people of every class that wish to run. Candidates should only have a certain amount of money that they can take out of their own pockets for the election. Other than using their own money, candidates can look to other companies and businesses for fundraising. If a company wished to donate funds to one party, they would have to donate it to the other(s)equally. This matching of money would make the election more fair for the candidates running and would allow more citizens to make their vote based on the quality of the candidate and not how much money they put into the election.
Chloe Johnson, Gemma Ciabattoni, Emily Stafford
Hey y'all, I'm back from the big bbq. As some of you may or may not know, Jordin Sparks was removed from the English 2 Honors curriculum because she felt as if Mr. Farley was 'degrading her potential as an analytical scholar' and would not grant her the "ear-hustla" that was imperative for her to earn her a spot on top honors. I, however, denied these accusations, because I believe my thesis is well though-out and my idea conveys an unmatched sophistication. I like to put a lot of emotion into my writing, as well. I've gone through a whole lot this past year, and I sincerely apologize for every one of my actions. It's only inspired me to continue writing and pursue further in the industry. So, without further or due, I present to you, what I'd like to change about the world:
[Verse 1]
Say what yo name is
Ooh yeah that fits you girl
Tell me where you headed
Can I walk with you girl?
You got that look in yo eyes,
That look like you give yo boy a here good ol' time
And I'm on it girl, that's right I'm on it girl
[Bridge]
See this is the first time I had a girl,
Who looks set me on fire
I'm really tryna get to know you better girl,
You ain't gotta act like you shy.
Cause we gon do, sumthing
Sumthing is gon get, done
And we gon get, crunk
And have a lot of, fun
And I say
[Hook]
Shawty, shawty
She wearing her hair
She working them jeans
She talking that talk just l-l-like I like it
She keep it on and, popping
Shawty keep it on and popping
Ooh, oooh,ooh yeah
Shawty, shawty
The way you wearing that top got yo boy so hot
Ain't no mistaking, playing, or faking,
You got me open and waiting, and popping
You keep me on and popping oooooh, oooooooh
[Verse 2]
Umh, Umh, let me tell you
I tryna keep my swagger, but you bout to have me girl
Jump through about four or five hoops of, ooh baby
Let's take it to the hood so the people can see you girl
Oh yes you mean and vicious the way you switchin'
Now I say
[Bridge]
This is the first time I had a girl
Who looks set me on fire
I'm really tryna get to know you better girl,
You ain't gotta act like you shy.
Cause we gon do, sumthing
Sumthing, is gon get done
And we gon get, crunk
And have a lot of, fun
Ooooh, Ohhhhh
[Hook]
Shawty, shawty
She wearing her hair
She working them jeans
She talking that talk just l-l-like I like it
She keep it on and, popping
Shawty keep it on and popping
Ooh, oooh, ooh yeah
Shawty, shawty
The way you wearing that top got yo boy so hot
Ain't no mistaking, playing, or faking,
You got me open and waiting, and popping
You keep me on and popping oooooh, oooooooh
[Hook]
Shawty, shawty
She wearing her hair
She working them jeans
She talking that talk just l-l-like I like it
She keep it on and, popping
Poppin'
Shawty, shawty
The way you wearing that top got yo boy so hot
Ain't no mistaking, playing, or faking,
You got me open and waiting, and popping
Shawty got me poppin'
[Breakdown]
Ooooooooooh, ooooooooooh
Ooh, oo, ooh, ooo, oooh, ooo, oooh
You make me feel like a winner girl I wanna say
Ooh, oo, ooh, oooh, oooh, oo, oooh
Let me put my hand around your waist while the background sing
Oooooh, oooo, ooooh, ooooh, ooo, oooh
Cause we gon do sumthing, Sumthing is gon get done
Oooooh, oooo, ooooh, ooooh, ooo, oooh
I'm about to have a fit, Cause you're my number 1
[Hook]
Shawty, shawty
She wearing her hair
She working them jeans
She talking that talk just l-l-like I like it
She keep it on and, popping
Shawty keep it on and popping
Ooh, oooh, ooh yeah
Shawty, shawty
The way you wearing that top got yo boy so hot
Ain't no mistaking, playing, or faking,
You got me open and waiting, and popping
You keep me on and popping oooooh, oooooooh
In terms of world peace, aggressive war is the most disruptive act that exists. The idea that individual armies are necessary for sustaining world power and settling conflict is both contradictory and absurd. Why attempt to settle one conflict by starting another? In order for the world's nations to survive, individual military forces must be eliminated. In their place, an expansion of the current United Nations, comprised of representatives from every country on the globe, must be established. This Supreme Union of Nations, more easily referred to as the S.U.N., should grant equal power to every representative. Additionally all national governments will answer to the S.U.N. This S.U.N will possess a global law enforcement army, the International Justice League (I.J.L), with legitimate power to preserve peace and discourage insurgents with the use of force if it is necessary. Weapons currently stockpiled by various nations shall be pooled together to supply the I.J.L. and extra arms will be recycled. Every nation will provide soldiers for the global military who are under the command of the S.U.N. Finally, local law enforcement should remain in every nation to handle domestic disturbances. The right to bear arms, if it exists in a country's constitution or set of laws, shall be revoked. In order to prevent terrorist acts and ensure control for the I.J.L., private parties should not be able to obtain weapons. We no longer live in a time where such weapons are needed for safety in a private home. If International law is made to disband armies, limit weaponry, and establish the previously mentioned union, global benefit will result. There would be involvement and input from all nations while discussing world issues due to the establishment of the S.U.N. No national armies would prevent aggression and intimidation between armies because there is no threat of violence. This will lead to an end to wars and prosperity of the people. There would be no more chances to add to war debt and safety would be promoted. Resources and time that are spent on the development of weapons would be saved and put into more useful things. Perhaps the people that design nuclear bombs could develop more safe and effective ways to harness nuclear energy. Also the establishment of the S.U.N will idealize cooperation to reach common goals. These natural concepts of cooperation would lead to a very prosperous future if the armies of the world are disbanded and transformed into the I.J.L. under the control of a Supreme Union of Nations.
C. Fox, C. Olman, T. Wright
Andie, Alexandra, and Alexis
The Unites States of America is place with many prospects and opportunities; when compared to other countries America appears to be superior. However taking a closer look reveals a crumbling health care system that this year left around fifteen percent of the nation’s population without health care coverage. This is about 35 million people without the security of knowing whether they will be able to put food on the table if they get hurt or sick. The philosopher John Locke said that everyone has the right to “the preservation of the life, the liberty, health, limb, or goods of another”. (Locke Chapter II) If the United States of America established a publically funded health care system it would create the opportunity for everyone to preserve his or her own life despite social class or wealth. A universal health care system would provide coverage for every single person in the country. In the U.S. more money per person is spent on health care than in any other nation around the world .If this new health care system was established nobody in the U.S. would need to pay for health care coverage and those who already can afford insurance would be saving money in the long run; thus eliminating financial issues regarding health care. Even those whose coverage is a benefit of the job would profit from the change because there would no longer be a deduction from his or her salary which was used by the employer to pay for their insurance. A significant change in health care would also eventually change people’s views on healthy habits. It would be realized that spending money to educate people on healthy habits would be cheaper than spending money on health care. The dependency on fast food chains and other unhealthy meals would decrease which would result in healthier people. The average age of death would increase lengthening a people’s lifespan. Millions of people in the United States are without the stability of health care coverage, but by establishing a universal health care system everyone can benefit from a stable health care system.
Kyle, Matt, and Ari
In the late 1600s John Locke proposed radical ideas for his time. His revolutionary ideas addressed equality and government in ways they had never been thought of before. In 1690 Locke was considered an unrealistic fool with his head in the clouds. Today his “ludicrous” ideas are the fundamental principles of the society we live in. During his time, John Locke was proposing ideas that were laughed at; however, today, these are the ideals that free countries across the globe are still striving towards. Often ideas that are just and moral may seem ridiculous to those who lacks perspective. In his writing John Locke addresses egalitarianism, however, many of these ideas, which are the basis of, our government are denied to minors; for example minors do not have the right to vote. If someone suggested to a congressman to propose legislation that would give minors equal suffrage, the congressman would call the idea absurd and completely unrealistic. But is it not possible that maybe that congressman lacks perspective like so many others did 300 years ago? If John Locke's ideas of natural, political equality are to be realized, then every person should be given equal political rights from the date of birth. Many would argue that giving the right to vote to uneducated minors would skew the electoral system, but one should note that upon reaching the legal voting age of 18, most new eligible voters do not take advantage of their voting rights for many years, if they ever take the time to vote at all. In all likelihood, those minors who would be willing to take the time to vote are those who care enough to inform themselves and make intelligent decisions. In addition to this many adults today cast their votes without actually looking into what the candidate represents. If people began informing themselves at younger ages it would result in better-educated, more politically active future generations. Minors are also denied their rights to private property. On school grounds, all property of a minor belongs to the school. Everything from a student's backpack to their pants' pocket is subject to search and seizure by the school if that student is on school grounds. Many would argue that if students were given more rights to privacy on school grounds they would bring weapons to school and hurt each other. However, it turns out that police can frisk a suspect for weapons on the same grounds that a school official can search a student's belongings. Students would not be in any more danger from each other than they already are with the current legal system. To create true equality among all people these freedoms and many others would have to be bestowed upon minors. Along with these freedoms minors would have to take more responsibility for their actions and behavior. Gradually given more freedom, minors would almost certainly experiment, but by doing so they would learn that their actions have consequences. If all curfews were done away with, many minors would stay out all night, but they would learn the next day that it is not worth the subsequent exhaustion. Instead of learning these lessons later in life when they have the freedoms, minors could learn them at younger ages when there is less at stake. More freedom would lead to more experience, which would in turn lead to more responsibility. All this would result in more independence and self-reliance in minors and in turn, greater progress towards the ultimate goal of a more perfect society as a result of more equality in future generations.
Tyler, Colleen, Kayla, Drew
On a global scale, the cultural polarization between different ethnicities and geographical locations has reached a point of absolute isolationism. Communication has seized and only one common element can merge humanity once again; language. The concept of a universal means of expressing one’s thoughts and feelings needs to be implemented in order for the community to once again exchange ideals and values in peace. Imagine the convenience of world travel, trade, and talk if everyone harnessed a second language. Days of time in translating would be cut when dealing with business affairs in other countries, thus exponentially boosting production rate and generating the global economy. Money would also be saved when international airport, building, and tourist signs are converted into one unified set of directions, of course after the original funding for this overhaul is completed. When arriving overseas to these refurbished nations, no prior language training would be required. People could then freely roam continent to continent without communication barriers which will allow for better cultural enrichment. Of course, many different assortments of language exist in society, so the next question that should be pondered is which method is most applicable to today’s community. Spoken languages are already in motion, and many over years digress into diverse dialects and phrases. Now what is needed to blend the extremes of civilization is sign language, a permanent institution of expression that will finally incorporate those that are deaf and mute. Since this second language will only be utilized in special situations, translators will not lose their jobs because countries will still retain their original speaking languages. Sign language is also impossible to communicate in online chat and through writing, which will force people to resort to techniques that translators specialize in. Meanwhile, a boost in industry will occur in teaching sign language, aiding the unemployed under the current capitalistic circumstances. Civilians on this planet can offer time to study a fun language of arm dance and motion without the minute grammatical facets. Beyond economic benefits, a worldwide sign language will bring about intelligent, thoughtful human beings. In old England, all the inhabitants knew three languages. If ancestors of past times could pull off a stunt like this, so can a modern citizen only expected to comprehend two languages. Language learning helps stimulate brain activity, and the more languages one acquires, the more muses of creativity and vision one has. In United Nations assemblies, usually six or more languages are passed around throughout the heated discussion tables, ensuing in separation by idiom and unnecessary debates over an erroneously phrased proposal. With one singular procedure for communication, every representative of every state will better understand the man to their left and right (and if an argument were to arise, with sign language the screaming would be minimal!). Not only can language bring together political figures, but the commoners around the world, as well. If the European-Americans and Mexican-Americans could have a unified language to articulate ideas in, ethnic misunderstanding would significantly reduce, thus propagating peace and brotherhood. All one can hear in the news today is the governments of other languages and the resulting consequences on his country, which results in tension and uneasy feelings. To be able to hear out the individuals from these other languages and their stories is a whole other story, and is what needs to occur immediately before war and bloodshed itself becomes the new universal language.
By: Terrill Warrenburg, Steph Carroll, and Ana Mastopiero
In an ideal world man would be judged on his own merits rather than on the basis of his appearance or social status. In real society, however, one’s appearance and status affect how others view that person and determine how one is treated, whether favorably or unfairly. This process seems so strong (entrenched, ingrained) that it seems inevitable and without hope for change. The Great Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, argue that all men are “born to all the same advantages of nature and use of the same facilities”, (Locke: Two Treaties of Government Sect 4) and are thus fundamentally equal, irrespective of nationality, family, and other determinants of status and wealth. One way to overcome the bias that engenders status is to make everyone have the same appearance, such as in religious communities, like monks who shave their heads or nuns wear a habit and wear robes or uniforms. This way individuals tend to lose their recognizable differences that lead to perceptions of status. If we tried out this approach in the workplace by having workers wear masks and uniforms, then workers would be evaluated more on the basis of their real contribution than on their appearance. This would lead to a system based on merit rather than appearance. Such a successful work environment would be beneficial to everyone who make good contributions and would motivate people to do their best work. This would have benefits beyond the world of work; it would extend to the world at large.
By: Terrill Warrenburg Steph Carroll, and Ana Mastropiero
In an ideal world man would be judged on his own merits rather than on the basis of his appearance or social status. In real society, however, one’s appearance and status affect how others view that person and determine how one is treated, whether favorably or unfairly. This process seems so strong (entrenched, ingrained) that it seems inevitable and without hope for change. The Great Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, argue that all men are “born to all the same advantages of nature and use of the same facilities”, (Locke: Two Treaties of Government Sect 4) and are thus fundamentally equal, irrespective of nationality, family, and other determinants of status and wealth. One way to overcome the bias that engenders status is to make everyone have the same appearance, such as in religious communities, like monks who shave their heads or nuns wear a habit and wear robes or uniforms. This way individuals tend to lose their recognizable differences that lead to perceptions of status. If we tried out this approach in the workplace by having workers wear masks and uniforms, then workers would be evaluated more on the basis of their real contribution than on their appearance. This would lead to a system based on merit rather than appearance. Such a successful work environment would be beneficial to everyone who make good contributions and would motivate people to do their best work. This would have benefits beyond the world of work; it would extend to the world at large.
Theresa, Kayla S, and Iris
17th century philosopher and idealist John Locke had many ideas of what was truly a “natural” society. He was extremely optimistic about humankind as a whole and the progress it could make. Because all people are "naturally" born as a "blank slate", Locke proposed that all humans should have the same rights, and suggested that “[all] should be equal one amongst another without subordination or subjection”. (Locke page 1 sect 4). This idea should be taken into consideration regarding today’s government. Our judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government were formed in an effort to establish a balance of power. However, in the United States today, one single ruler, the President, now holds a position of power higher than any other in our country. There are several problems with this system, such as improper representation of the people. With only one supreme ruler and a lack of representation, we are regressing to monarchy. How much say in government do we, the people, really have? In the 2003 Iraq War, citizens had no say whatsoever in whether or not to initiate the fighting, and many Americans did not agree with the decision to install troops. A lack of public opinion in government caused the less popular decision to be made. A government that would be better suited for our representative needs is an American Union. Europe is united under the European Union, the structure our proposed concepts are based on. The European Union is composed of 27 member states and commits itself to regional integration. Operating on a hybrid system of supranationalism and intergovernmentalism, this system succeeds off of a base of equal rights. With the even distribution of power, European citizens are less intimidated by higher positions of authority. Our society would be similar to this type of system and would benefit the interests of the American people by giving them more say in their government. The overall amount of power would be evenly distributed through a system that varies greatly from today's government. At the highest national level, 100 representatives would make up a Congress to focus on the interests of the nation as a whole. Instead of fifty individual states that would heighten levels of disagreement, the nation would be broken down into four smaller quadrants – the Northeast, the Southeast, the Northwest, and the Southwest. In each region, a body of 500 men would form that quadrant’s Senate. Smaller regions would maintain an assembly of 20 freeholders in each. Each quadrant would essentially work as a "country", and define certain laws. However, the nation as a whole would share economic and military benefits as well as the same currency. To uphold the basic rights of every citizen, everyone would receive the right to vote on national issues; such as the issues of war and economic bailouts. This new republic government would more effectively protect the power of the every-day citizen and keep in mind the ideas and desires of everyone in the country. Although this proposal is idealistic,we can take on John Locke's positive view that human nature is generally cooperative and would allow for this newly structured society to succeed.
Political correctness begins with government and authority forcing ideas for their own good upon those who are too naïve to form their own opinions and rebel. Through this process two sides are formed; one being a political censored group, the other being a rebellious group of enlightened individuals. Political correctness is formed in the higher ranked authoritative figures because they are afraid of loss of power. Authorities create the appealing idea that being politically incorrect may offend people or groups, but are simply doing this for their own good. Locke supports this idea in his essay, Two Treatisies of Government (1690) by stating, “that to live by one man’s will become the cause of all man’s misery” (Locke Ch. 7, Sec. 94). Under the pressure of being politically correct to avoid offending anyone, people are unknowingly consenting under the government and therefore, giving authorities more power. This holds true because the government fears a threat of power at any level and this fear holds back mankind’s natural state and their ability to speak for themselves. This causes melancholy among those who are self enlightened and want to educate others. To end this desolation, the government needs to change their view on political correctness and the power it has in the classroom. Educators should have the ability to teach what they have experienced and what they personally believe to a certain extent. For instance if a fanatic, sexist and racist teacher comes in and skews others views of education, the individual students should have the understanding to decide what views are correct in their own mind. Although extreme and wild with beliefs, the teacher should not have a dramatic effect on one’s daily life. Instead, these teachers should encourage debates, exchanging of beliefs and opinions, and learning with an open mind. Kant states in his essay, What Is Enlightenment? “Sapere audere- Have courage to use your own reason!”(Kant. Pg 1). If one finds this courage and understanding, the good of mankind will shine through and lead to enlightenment.
-Kelly, Calli, Isabelle, Mike
Rebecca Helstern, Shannon Pace, Amanda Sachs
People are under the pretense that all children receive an equal education, this is not true. Education in most cases is based on money. Money should not be a factor on whether or not a child lives up to his or her full potential in school. Wealthier families can pay for their children to receive the best education possible, while poor children may have the potential to achieve great educational success; however, their class of poverty will prevent them from doing so. To fix this unjust situation, all private middle and elementary schools should be eliminated. This will ensure that everyone has equal educational opportunities, no matter the wealth status of their family. After middle school, there should be a more advanced high school that that children who show hard work, dedication, and commitment will have the option to attend. These schools will be like an honors high school. These schools will create an environment for those students who take their education seriously. Students will be able to get into these schools based solely on ability and merit. This system starts everyone off on the same plane and students who excel more than others will have the opportunity to strive even farther forward in the classroom with more stimulated minds. Because immense amounts of money will no longer be spent by families to send their children to private schools, taxes will be raised. This extra money collected will be used for improving learning environments in public schools. Everyone deserves the chance to live up to their full potential. Everyone should be able to have equal opportunities. Economic class should not be a factor that determines the level of education a young pupil, with a mind like a blank slate, receives. If the United States believes all men are created equal, why not give all men an equal chance at success?
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