Analysis
In this satirical piece from the Onion (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/underfunded_schools_forced_to_cut), an anonymous author addresses the controversy over cutting the past tense from English programs in underfunded schools. Although seemingly unintended for a particular audience, this article is directed to people aware of underfunded schools and offers an alternative to cutting "unessential" music and art programs. The past tense is a thing of the past and society should look towards the future rather than linger in the past in order to progress. According to a satirically invented quote by Utah's Republican senator, Orrin Hatch, "Our tax dollars should be spent preparing our children for the future, not for what has already happened . . . It's about time we stopped wasting everyone's time with who 'did' what or 'went' where. The past tense is, by definition, outdated." A typical Republican defined by pro creative education cuts and the supposed "No Child Left Behind Policies," Hatch has defended the actions of the pedophile Mark Foley. The article's satirical point attacks the paradoxical views of the Republicans like Orrin Hatch in the field of educational reform. If art and music programs are so unnecessary that they are deserving of cuts, why not omit the past tense from the English curriculum?
Does the author’s mocking tone make the argument more powerful?
Why do people see art and music programs as inessential?
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13 comments:
I believe cutting out the past tense cuts our language and our use of words that refer to our history.
Art and Music have always been pushed to the point that not all schools have it and this is essential in understanding another piece of a culture. We have come to the point that our own culture has been defined by the type of music we listen to.
I think the article made a fairly strong argument attacking the completely failed Federal policy of No Child Left Behind. Its clear to any reasonable person that the policy is a failure and it cannot sensibly be reformed--its a policy that, while it sounds nice and defends the sacrosanct public school system (which is pathetic, and only made worse by Federal intervention) it is a horrifying example of government incompetence.
As to the second question, I think that people see them as...quite essential. They at least add a sense of well-roundedness in the otherwise mediocre public school debacle.
Different aspects of life influence people's actions and culture, music and performing arts must be included. The arts are part of what defines a person, and their backgroind, including their education. In some cultures, the arts are considered essential to the education of a person, and it wouldn't be appropriate that a country full of diversity would enforce such nonsense.
**er!k@**
This article sounds really interesting. I think the satire of the article helps show why this is a serious problem that needs to be looked at for the sake of the children getting the education. Good job with picking the article Do!
if music programs were cut from schools i believe it would be a devastating blow to children all over. music is an outlet, a way to express ones-self. without it the world would be a dreary place.
to answer ur question, no i'm not leaving Santa oreos,he perfers chocolate cookies. these are things you need to know if you expect santa to get you something.
No Child Left Behind....kinda reminds me of Compton USD's new slogan "Failure is no longer an option." (lol. why was it an option in the first place?) i was kinda thinkin that if the past tense is cut from the curriculum would it hurt all that much? we write out english essays in the present anyways.
as for music and art....i dont think it should be cut out all the way. maybe make it optional. i have no interest in drawing or painting and i have no idea how its gonna help me and i cant stand that i have to be forced to take it. let those who like those things take em and those who dont do something better with their time.
Excellent job Andrew- I am proud of your blog, your reading selection (both the article its source--The Onion. Keep up the outstanding work and spread the word to your peers that I cam checking to see that comments and posts are made weekly. Way to go! Ms. G
I remember reading this article and i think they did make a good argument,eventhough its not the best one. Though the policy, No Child Left Behind does sound reasonable, it wouldn't work and kind of pathetic. And to the music and art, cut out? no, i think it helps the children in their visual learning.
wut bout mr woods...class..lol...yea
without the past tense(history) how would the future learn from previously commited mistakes?yes i agree that music/art programs are essential in the process of one expessing themselves but the past tense is also significant..rock on dude
The Mocking tone of this athor does make his argumanet more powerfull, because as we all know, people learn at different speeds, and some people arent even meant to do what they want to do because they dont stride for it as others do.
As for music and art, have to be essential, because music is a form of expressing ones feelings, and of showing who one really is, sometimes thats the only way people can truly express themselves. for example, our school is filled with great music and art talent, and if it wasnt for that, most of them would be nothing. because even science is art if thought about it thoroughly!
Sending for El Salvador!
I think both the past and art programs are absolutely neccessary in education, however, whoever said it in your article was right we shouldn't use the past for meaningless things such as pointing fingers and blaming others we should use it for improvement and identity. Art programs are essential becasue they make education interesting. art doesn't consist of just painting and drawing it includes acting, singing, dancing and anything that is a form of expression and expression is natural for us a human beings which is why we need to learn how to cherish the arts and why it should be mandatory in the education system.
aaaahahahahaha!!!! this article is too funny. *phew* oh dont mind me, just wiping a tear from my eye...
the mockery definitel makes the argument more powerful because it shows the stupidity of the guy who advocated cutting off said programs. just as the past tense is essential for our language, so too are art and music.
simple words are often misinterpreted and well, boring. but music-its a liberation of the soul! (much like giving) how can we teach, as paulo freire said, curricula that does not take into account the student? curricula irrelevant to the recipients? art and music, though, release the creativity in us all.
many see these as disposable because their own creativity is stumped and they've fallen into complacency--ignorantly gulping down a myriad of facts thatt do nothing for the betterment of humanity. music and art are a common thread. want peace? unleash the art. want harmony? play the music.
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