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Home schooling's bad? Well, public schools don't seem too great

Home schooling's bad? Well, public schools don't seem too great

Date published: 4/18/2004

On April 7, a reader replied to a May 29 article on home schooling ["Home-schooling extension: Parents form private school for upper-grade education"] with concern that home schooling somehow contributes to the "growing chasm between the different cultures, religions, and socioeconomic groups" in the local community, and in the world at large.

The author seems to believe that cloistering children of the same age together in a government-controlled institution somehow leads to greater understanding, harmony, and peace in the world.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it is that institutionalized system, which has dominated education since the beginning of the 20th century, that has produced the society we have today. How is more of the same going to close the chasm with which the writer is so concerned?

The author goes on to ask, "Have we learned nothing from the hatred that so many cultures around the world harbor for Americans now?"

Where exactly do Palestinian kids get the idea that Jews are pigs? Where do Iranian children learn that America is the Great Satan? The answer is school. Or more accurately, government-controlled school.

Public school, because it lacks any real competition, is a big part of the problem; it is not the solution. Free and open education is the answer to ignorance and bigotry. Today, the only place to get that type of education is at home.

Chris O'Donnell

Spotsylvania

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Date published: 4/18/2004