Week 2_Aparna_Komarla

Aparna Komarla
SID: 913896026

This post is based on the article “The Untold History of Modern U.S. Education: The Founding Fathers”, written by Jamie Lee.

I had never researched the origins of modern public education in the United States, so this article was an eye-opener. The raw truth that this institution is built on the foundations of capitalism and the American agenda of conquest is difficult to bear, but it makes sense connecting the dots backwards. Several student activists, primarily those of color, have talked about how “this institution was never made for them”. This article that describes the intentions of public education at its foundation as a weapon for mass mobilization to achieve goals in line with a capitalistic agenda, further corroborates the voices of those activists. It is ironic that the word “education” was being used with the intention to indoctrinate youth, and construct the desired climate of public opinion. I find that this foundation has manifestations in the education system today, particularly in how certain historical acts of colonization and conquest are described.

A video about how modern day education in American adjusts goals to educate youth with goals and needs of capitalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VK1wDA8tO4. (1)

References:
 1. Lee, Michael. (2016, November 19). “Education and Capitalism”. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VK1wDA8tO4