Fat Men Eat Steak

Two questions come to my mind when I think of the information that Linda Darling-Hammond presents to build her case for the inequality that permeates and deteriorates our educational system in The Flat World and Education. I wonder, What is the motivation behind those who promote this chasm either purposefully or unconsciously? and What can I do to promote the healing of the incredible chasm that separates and grows in this country?

When I attempt to find answers to my first question, my mind goes to the idea that someone is benefiting from the promotion of inequality. In the early 70’s I remember my mom railing against the Trilateral Commission—these powerful men who wanted to control the world. About that time I was reading A Separate Peace by John Knowles for the first time, and I equated her concept of the men on the commission with Phineas’ idea that World War II was actually a conspiracy orchestrated by rich, fat men—smoking cigars and eating fine food—to keep young men in their place. As I became more politically aware, I learned that Mom’s idea was probably prompted by Barry Goldwater and others who claimed that the commission’s mission was to create a world government. Just as I laughed at Finny’s absurd theory, I decided that no one—or small group—was intelligent enough to figure out how to govern the world, much less get control of all the countries....or is there?

So, is there a small group of people who benefit from denying the disadvantaged from securing their constitutional right to equal educational opportunity? Why did the state of Texas twist their scores? Why do businesses need run schools as Ravitch describes? Why do schools and states have to Race to the Top? I struggle to shift my perspective enough to fairly consider all possible answers to my questions. Definitely I need to read and discuss more for different perceptions and insights into the failure of schools to educate all children, just as I might be able to see the Trilateral Commission’s purpose from their perspective as working for good for all people of the globe.

But for now my gut answer prompts me to pull out my little soapbox and wax philosophical about what I perceive to be people’s growing desire for power and increasing greed. Oh, I do think that the people in power—the politicians, the CEO’s, the people who influence educational policy—may have the good of people ideally in mind, but underlying those concepts is the need to be in control, to keep their lives comfortable, safe, secure. Promoting more of what has been, more of the same helps to curb the fear that change creates. On the much smaller scale of the classroom, I can identify with people in power; I struggle with my resistance to try a new approach, to change a lesson or to learn to interpret ISAT data when the accustomed way works “just fine.” Besides, it’s easier for me to justify doing what works than it is for me to figure out the newer, better, perhaps more fully educational way. Fortunately, I know that by recognizing my desire to be in control and my underlying fear, I am able to move beyond my resistance. I make changes to improve my instruction and my understanding of my students who continually change. Even though I have my theory about what motivates people in power, I still am not sure what those powerful policy-makers, directors, politicians, etc. need to prompt them to recognize what underpins their decisions and the ability to live with such inequities as Hammond discusses.

I hope the next chapters help me understand the changes to be made. Until that time I must admit I will continue to see the people at the top gain weight just as the fat men in Phineas’ explanation: “’The fat old men…don’t want us crowding them out of their jobs. They’ve made it all up. There isn’t any real food shortage, for instance. The men have all the best steaks delivered to their clubs now. You’ve noticed how they’ve been getting fatter lately, haven’t you?’”

What we need is to shift the education paradigm, according to Sir Ken Roberts. See this RSS Animate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U