Liberation Education
Chris Lempa
Black Oak Presents
Spring 2008

Think about the question, "What is education?" Okay, what is it? What is it not? We are told that it is important to read Dickens and know what a mol is, but that gardening is a hobby. Woodwork is a hobby―but I better know my ABC's. While I agree that knowing the alphabet is important, is it any more so than the ability to grow one's food or build one's shelter? Does Tale of Two Cities really matter if I can't survive? Does the anarchist theory that I love so much matter? No.
    
Let's not forget the purpose of schooling. As a judge once said, "A primary purpose of the educational system is to train school children in good citizenship, patriotism and loyalty to the state and the nation as a means of protecting the public welfare."1
    
That is the point of education today. If we wanted a real education we would learn a trade or multiple trades. But, of course, the point of education is not survival. It is indoctrination.
    
We are all guilty if we don't act to fight this unjust system. I have difficulties with this, but that's how I see it. You see, I know many teachers. In fact, I was once a teacher’s aide, a good one at that. Therein lies the problem; I am actually a good teacher. I encouraged my students to think critically and question injustice. Not one student of mine could rightfully accuse me of playing the authority card. Nor could any of the youth that I currently work with, for that matter. Respect should be earned. That's what I believe and that is what I try to pass on.
    
Unfortunately, this means little if we continue to support a hierarchical indoctrination system, and our society is to blame for not rigorously challenging the educational system. Worse, parents often send their children to school without thinking twice and without being involved.

Sadly, most ultimately go along. I have encountered many people that end up defending the system. By doing so they are also lending their credibility to it. Teachers and other educational professionals that actively support something they know is wrong do much more harm than good. Even if their intentions are good, the outcome will necessarily be negative.
    
What is the solution? Ideally, public education would morph into a collection of home schools and educator run cooperatives. There are already examples of these, but clearly there are not enough. It is up to concerned individuals to build alternative educational institutions. Internet based programs such as the Online Freedom Academy and Z Education Online are great tools. The ultimate goal, however, must be to transform educational institutions into participatory structures with educational goals dedicated to the basic principles and values of solidarity, diversity, equity, and self management.
    
Education should encourage individuality while also promoting the aforementioned values. Additionally, so-called trades and other skills should be promoted. High school “guidance” counselors often tell the below average performers to consider becoming a welder, mechanic, or carpenter, but some suburban schools won't even mention these career choices. Ironically, these “careers” can lead to more self-reliance than that of a stockbroker, secretary, or senator.
    
We will not be a free society until individuals increase the levels of autonomy and independence in their everyday lives. Creating an educational system focused on various survival and life skills is the first and most important step in that direction.  

Chris Lempa is a streetwise professor in search of the perfect cup of coffee
and the perfect glass of water. He is a guest editor at www.Strike-the-root.com.
  You may e-mail him at 8lempa8@gmail.com.

Reproduction of material from any original Blackoakmedia.org pages
without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Copyright 2008 Black Media