Guildenstern

I have been thinking, for a long time now, about the state of our schools, the state of our educational system, and what this means for the future of our nation and of our democracy.  Now, for the first time, I have began to consider how it will affect journalism.

At the present time, public schools discourage critical thinking.  Students are given homework that consists of worksheets; these work sheets require that the student look through his book, find the answer, and copy it out on to his paper, without thinking about or really considering any of the information that passes through their heads.  This system will,  if it proceeds unchecked,  as it has,  produce a generation of people who not only do not want to, but do not know how to think critically or logically. 

What kind of reporting will this new generation want?  Will this mass of people who have been systematically taught to be shallow desire thoughtful, accurate commentaries about current events?  Or will they want sound bites about celebrities turned drug addicts? 

The answer to the question is obvious – famous coke fiends will be prefferable to a analysis of the hidden agendas behind a newly passed law.  This is a major problem,  and you,  as journalists of the future, cannot give in to the demand for shallow,  vapid infotainment.  There will be a choice for you to make in the future;  a choice between profitable reporting and reporting that adds value to society.  It’s in your hands.