The Myth of Equal Education Essay - 1727 Words

America is often enamored of itself as the champion of equality in every aspect of its society; however, this is often not the case. This is true in every aspect of life, but is very evident specifically in the American education system. Although America claims to give an equal education to all, regardless of any external factors, economic class often plays a role in what type and how good of an education a student may receive. Since education is the basis for future success, this inequity resulting from socioeconomic status implies that this is where inequality in everyday life starts, and that the system generates this inequality. If this is true, then one might ask, what then is the purpose of education? If economic class predetermines†¦show more content†¦His desire for learning was baffling to his family. Rodriguez says â€Å"I devoted myself to my studies. I became bookish, puzzling to all my family. Ambition set me apart† (195). Even from an early age, the defi ning characteristic of Rodriguez’s unusual education displays itself. That characteristic is isolation. Isolation is what enabled Rodriguez to have such an exceptional education, and started him on the path to believing that through hard work anyone could receive a good education. Rodriguez is isolated from his family by his very desire to become more educated. At first he shunned his heritage, and isolated himself further. As his education continued, so did his isolation, until eventually he realized what had happened, and returned to his family, and found that the isolation and education had changed him in such a way that he could not relate to them anymore. He says â€Å"†¦after the early relief, this return, came suspicion, nagging until I realized that I had not neatly sidestepped the impact of schooling. My desire to do so was precisely the measure of how much I remained an academic.† (205). Because of his education, he realizes that he has become different, and that realization is what makes his difference real. Malcolm X, on the other hand, had significantly different experiences, though at its core, his education shared a significant similarity with Rodriguez’s. Essentially, Malcolm X grew up on the streets as a criminal. HeShow MoreRelatedThe Myth Of Individual Opportunity1306 Words   |  6 PagesThe Myth of Individual Opportunity America is often referenced with the idea of the â€Å"American Dream† and the â€Å"Land of Opportunity.† For centuries, people have flocked to America in hopes of a better life and greater opportunity. However, if they are searching for equal opportunity, America is not the country that they will find it in. 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