1 Pham Duy Stephen Pham Dr. Steinberg English Composition 3.37 29 October 2007 Essay #1 (2nd Submission): The Oversimplification of America The word myth is very ambiguous, as its meaning has evolved significantly over time. The traditional definition of a myth is a folktale or a fairy tale, but now it can also be defined as a widely held but false belief or idea (Oxford Dictionary). Basically, a myth is a generalization used to obtain an overview of a certain idea, but myths can easily be fictitious. In the United States, there are many widespread myths that numerous people believe in. For example, a common false notion is that of the model family, which suggests that a perfect family is always happy if it includes the traditional father, mother, and children, and if it follows the typical American lifestyle. Another myth is that of education, which indicates that education is essential for a successful life, and an American education brings forth endless opportunities. Nevertheless, myths are merely oversimplifications that can definitely be false. They are simply used to obtain a general impression of a concept, but they must not be applied to all cases, as each case has its own individual circumstances. By disposing of these myths, society can end this tendency to generalize everything, including the structure of a family and also the educational system. There exists the common myth that the perfect family is comprised of happily married parents (consistently heterosexuals), with ideally two or more children, is perpetuated through television and other forms of media. Growing up in a society full of media and culture, it is nearly impossible not to succumb to the traits of the typical American family mold. After constant reiteration, this myth becomes a mindset. For instance, as Gary Soto grew up, he
Pham 2 frequently watched the show Father Knows Best, "whose family was so uncomplicated in its routine that" he "very much wanted to imitate it" (Soto 26). Consequently, Soto assumed that in order to make his working-class, atypical family a happy family, he needed to imitate the lifestyles depicted on television, and so he began to persuade his family to emulate American customs such as dressing up for dinner. As a result, through such fictitious stories, Americans tend to subconsciously accept this outlook as true, as it is constantly repeated through different forms of media. A former U.S. senator, Rick Santorum, firmly states that "It is an open and shut case: the best place for kids to grow up is with a happily married mom and dad, and the more of these families there are in a community, the better it is for everyone" (88). Hence, a significant number of people believe the myth that this type of complete family can ensure a happy, ,,uncomplicated life. Though this type of family structure can lead to happiness, it is not necessary for a content life. There are many families, such as families with only one parent or families with same-sex parents, who might not have the exact structure as the traditional family, and yet they are still completely functional and content with what they have. Some anti-gay marriage activists argue that families can only function if there is a mom and dad, as both parents are needed to give enough attention to their children. However, in gay marriages, children can receive just as much attention and care from their parents as in conventional families. Also, many single-parent families are very happy with their lives. Thus, a familys happiness essentially depends upon the familys closeness, the extent to which they are content with their current lifestyle, and the degree in which they value each other. In many cases, a family that is always wanting more, never appreciating their own belongings and lifestyle, will never have the ability to be satisfied. And so, although a family with ,,model attributes does have a good likelihood of being happy,
Pham 3 there is no exact way of determining the means of happiness for all families. Each family and household is different, and therefore the myth of a model family is false, as there is no universal mold of happiness. Another myth has been created which idolizes the United States as the ,,land of opportunity. This is the myth of education, which conveys that an education, such as from the free schooling provided in the United States, is necessary for a successful future entailing countless opportunities. Horace Mann, once a prestigious member of the Massachusetts Board of Education, wrote that "[w]ithout undervaluing any other human agency, it may be safely affirmed that the common school, improved and energized as it can easily be, may become the most effective and benignant of all the forces of civilization" (121). Basically, Mann states that both going to school and obtaining an education are essential for success. Through this idea, it is clearly evident that is education held as extremely valuable and indispensable, as it is deeply rooted in the future of civilization. Thus, the myth of education is apparent, as many people feel that schooling is fundamental to society. On the other hand, different scholars believe that the education institution is counterproductive in its purpose, implying that the myth is untrue. For example, a libertarian teacher named John Taylor Gatto argues that schools restrict the self-development and creativity of students, rather than making "each person his or her personal best" (154). A renowned American social critic named H. L. Mencken satirically wrote that the goal of public education "is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry, to put down dissent and originality" (Qtd. in Gatto 155). Essentially, these scholars claim that schools are too restrictive, not allowing enough freedom for students to develop their creativity and critical thinking skills. These people feel that schools are devices
Pham 4 used by the government to confine students to certain molds in order to better control them. This argument tries to prove that the myth of American education is false; schooling restrains students to educational models, rather than allowing the development of individuality. However, the schooling system of the United States was created for the purpose of benefiting the citizens of its nation. Rather than suppressing its citizens, the system of education was enforced in order to provide opportunities to all citizens, regardless of their class, race, or creed, creating an environment of equal opportunity. The government felt that "a child without education is poorer and more wretched than a man without bread" (Mann 129), and thus decided to provide universal education instead of universal food services. They believed that education has tremendous weight, even enough to be compared with the bare necessities of life. Therefore, the institution of education was meant to help those that do not have the same motivation and determination as others by offering education to everyone. Rather than create an impractical system of uniform schools, the government tries to provide each student with enough resources to accomplish what he or she truly desires to accomplish. Education, again, creates an equality of opportunity, and so someone with enough desire and curiosity can take advantage of the opportunities provided, and accordingly advance to pursue a successful career. A writer named Ins Hernndez-vila wrote a poem about her experience as a Hispanic child going through the American educational system. She wrote, "We were not inferior/You and I...We were good, honorable, brave/Genuine, loyal, strong/And smart.... we were not only equal but superior to them" (208). Through this poem, Hernndezvila shows that with her own determination, she could surpass many obstacles and eventually succeed in her pursuits. And so, American education does indeed provide opportunities, rather
Pham 5 than suppress. Some may feel that they are being controlled by the system, but through strong desire and curiosity, any student can excel significantly. For this reason, the myth of education is mostly true, as schooling and education can spark curiosity and motivation in a student, and eventually create numerous opportunities. There does exist an exception to the myth, however, as there are few people that flourish much better on their own, in which they can develop and gain knowledge without the constraints of specific curriculums set in schools. These exceptional people already have a strong sense of curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and thus do not need the schooling system to become educated or to have a successful future. Consequently, the myth of education is proved to be false; although in most cases, education is beneficial and productive, there are still the exceptions of the geniuses that are restrained by schooling. Myths act as rumors, as they travel like stories from person to person. They are passed on, and soon, they become questionable beliefs that are widely known. However, all generalizations are not absolutely true. Myths create general molds and constraints of diversity, which is inevitably contradictory to how America is today. No matter what, there will always be certain exceptions, and thus myths become fallacies, as every case has its own different conditions, whether it is the happiness of a family or it is the success of a student educated in America. Consequently, as citizens of society, each person must restrain from generalizing and believing these myths, in order to accommodate for exceptions. The United States, otherwise known as a land of exceptional diversity, is very complex, and as a result simple myths cannot be used to explain even half of the individuals that live there today.