This I believe analysis by Adam Herron 336 words
The article I chose talks about the importance of education for our democracy. The man writing it is a university professor. He recalls when he was a child wondering why they had to say the pledge of allegiance every morning. Then when he grows up and has his first child go off the elementary school, he remembers these questions he had. He realizes how much is left up to the educational system to teach our children. He believes the educational system should speak more about the value of education, that is a big part of our democracy, in schools. He thinks that students should make a promise to value their education and to use their knowledge. This article relates education to democracy, using education as the base of democracy.
I chose this essay because it does relate directly to our class. It is about democracy and education, both being public things. He does not demand anything, he only gives a constructive statement, or pledge. I believe the way he speaks in this essay is very powerful, but not forcing anything. He is just suggesting that we teach children the value of education, and I completely agree. The way he writes is not aggressive or persuasive even. He is just expressing his ideas/views.
He makes arguments by using examples. He talks about the shirt his son was wearing and how he felt when his son went off to school. Any parent can relate to this article. He speaks to the reader, telling him or her to remember their first day of school. Then he leaves his idea for a pledge, his constructive statement:
"I hereby pledge,
To secure and pursue,
With civility and humility,
To openly explore and critically evaluate,
Ideas and knowledge,
For a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world."
Education is very important, and many kids are forgetting that. His essay is a powerful one to me because I stand by his opinion and I believe it suits our class discussions fairly well.