Let Teenagers Try Adult is an article that reveals rigid criticism of the current higher education system. In this respect, the article focuses on the negative influence of popular culture, an unhealthy inner environment of high school institutions, and discouragement of individuality by the strong influence of instructors and coaches.
At the beginning of the article, the author explains the reasons for removing the so-called high school elite because this group does not contribute to the development of students’ personality. Their consciousness and mind are subjected to the falsely created values that prevent them from becoming independent and self-determined.
Contrary to the general purpose of education to bring up full-fledged members of society, the high school environment focuses on the cult of college teachers who construct the ideological space in which some individuals are suppressed. As an example of such pressure, the author refers to the tragedy at Columbine High School massacre, the event when two boys killed 13 people in school. While discussing this case, the author introduces the game of popularity that creates distortion and confusion of reality.
While deliberating on the limits and shortcomings of the old-fashioned high school system, the author stresses that poor recruitment and lack of learner-centered approach are among the main reasons for the created problems. The effect of popular culture does not provide a solid basis for proper education. As a solution to the problem, the scholar proposes to create a new kind of institutions that can allow individuals to graduate at an earlier age. In such a way, the American youth will be able to understand the importance of responsibility and duty they should take as the members of American society. Also, they should understand that the school environment differs significantly from the world beyond campus.