Introduction
Education broadens people’s horizons and often brings light to people’s lives. However, some regard it as a certain routine, and some young people even see education as some kind of punishment as older people use their authority to tell the youth how to live. Some students are ready to follow the rules and be obedient. Some young people try to rebel and make older people (especially educators) see that they do not have power over them. These young people (they are often teenagers) stop studying (they cut class or do not work hard and do not do homework). However, some people (including me) understand that education can be a form of rebellion, and it is possible to achieve a lot and make a difference if you study hard.
Obedience
In the first place, it is possible to note that lots of people study because they are all obedient. It is a universal truth that all people are different, but they share a similar feature as they are all ready to follow certain rules if there is some kind of authority. The renowned psychologist, Milgram calls this “state of mind” “agency” (qt. in Meyer 292). In other words, people do not even think of forces that make them do something as they focus on one idea, the idea of necessity. Thus, some people study because they are told to do this by someone who has authority. Education has become a norm, and people do not even doubt that they have to go to school. I have to admit that I am one of such people. Interestingly, I could not understand why I am so obedient when it comes to studies. I thought I had some unique features. Now, I see that I am not an exception as millions of people are characterized by obedience.
Elements of Education
Enlightenment
Importantly, education is light, and people have to have the courage to see it. Plato compares this to people wandering in the darkness without education, and when they learn more, they are able to see the light of the sun (Plato 334). Notably, knowledge can be associated with “sharp pains” as people often have to put stereotypes and things they believed aside (Plato 334). They have to work hard and even suffer from studying and learning more. For me, knowledge is light, and I learn much about the world around me. I also find out facts from our past, and this makes me understand more. Of course, reading books and researching is not associated with physical pain, but it requires time and effort. Hence, for somebody, this can be quite a painful experience.
Notably, education changes the way people see the world. Plato notes that those who return from the room full of light to darkness may seem blind and “ridiculous” (Plato 335). People who live in darkness may say that this person is a fool as he/she has invested too much effort for nothing. Nonetheless, the person will know that his knowledge is priceless, and this person will want to share his/her knowledge. I was in such a situation many times, and my peers often thought I read too much and was too boring. Nonetheless, even though I have to wander in the darkness when my peers talk about fashion or some other stuff, I can soon get accustomed to their talks and use my knowledge to show them that they are mistaken about loads of things.
Doubt
However, education is also a path to enlightenment for many who are simply not ready for it. Plato writes about people who are “prisoners” can see shadows and think they see reality, but when they are shown real things, they are not ready to accept them (334). Young learners also feel lost when they get to know facts. Perhaps, some learners’ desire to cut class or simply stop studying is their reaction to this new information. This may be a way not to accept the truth. Sometimes they do not want to accept some norms which are set by other people. It is not rebellion proper. Again, it is a characteristic feature of an individual. I think I trust my senses and my reasoning. When I see facts and logic in something, I am ready to accept this. This is why I like studying and learning more facts.
A Norm
As has been mentioned above, education is seen as a norm in society, and all people are to get it. Plato states that it is natural to want to see the light of the day, even though some people may stay in the darkness for all their lives (334). Education is seen as one of the founding powers of modern society. Of course, older generations try to persuade the youth that education is an important ground for their further lives. Personally, I think that all people should study and know a lot about the world around them. The society is based on rules which have been created throughout centuries. I believe that it is important to know about the past to understand why these rules exist and whether they can be improved to make the society better.
Rebellion
The last element of education makes many young people rebel and ignore it though they cannot become a part of society without it. Thus, young people think they are ‘tough’ when they ignore their teachers’ remarks, do nothing, and get bad marks. They do not want to be a part of the society and want to show they are above it. I have several friends who really think so. However, I believe being ‘tough’ does not mean being stupid. Malcolm X was a really tough teenager, and he also thought education was not for him. However, soon, he realized that he needed it. Malcolm X stresses he could not express his ideas, and no one understood him as he used slang (22). However, when he learned more words and was able to use them, he was really happy as people, finally, understood him. I believe education opens the doors of the big world and helps all people speak the same language. Thus, I am ready to talk to people who have a great experience as they visited a lot of places and read dozens of books. I feel we speak the same language, and I can understand them and express my ideas.
Conclusion
On balance, it is possible to note that education, obedience, and rebellion are closely connected. People are characterized by obedience, and they often follow the rules. However, when they are young, they try to rebel and struggle against norms. They believe they are loners who can win the battle. Since education is often seen as a norm, they want to rebel and ignore their teachers. Young people focus on their ‘street’ rather than academic experiences. Nonetheless, this rebellion often leads people to the understanding that education is light that helps people live and develop. I want to know more and develop. I believe this knowledge will help me make the world a better place to live for me and future generations.
Works Cited
Malcolm X. “Coming to an Awareness of Language.” 75 Reading Plus. Ed. Santi Buscemi and Charlotte Smith. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2013. 21-24. Print.
Meyer, Philip. “If Hitler Asked You to Electrocute a Stranger, Would You? Probably.” 75 Reading Plus. Ed. Santi Buscemi and Charlotte Smith. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2013. 286-293. Print.
Plato. “The Myth of the Cave.” 75 Reading Plus. Ed. Santi Buscemi and Charlotte Smith. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2013. 333-336. Print.