Citizens Quote by Jonathan Kozol
“The first goal and primary function of the U.S. public school is not to educate good people, but good citizens. It is the function which we call - in enemy nations - 'state indoctrination.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Shame of the Nation, 2015
Public schools are portrayed as tools for shaping obedient citizens rather than fostering moral individuals, effectively serving as state indoctrination.
In simple terms: Schools prioritize civic conformity over moral education.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for curricula that nurture critical thinking and ethics.
Themes
education
citizenship
politics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
persuasive
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- parental involvement
- curriculum design
Key Concepts
social control
democracy
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do educators have in shaping citizens?
- How can schools promote both knowledge and ethical growth?
A Different Perspective
Balancing civic education with personal moral development is complex.
![“[T]his is another reason why the children of illegals are sought for public schools: They'll put up with it. The children of illegals will put up with these dilapidated schools because for them, it is a huge step up. And these schools become little indoctrination centers for the children of…” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/633/rush-limbaugh-28_adults_t-his-is-another-reason-why-the-children_942655.jpg)
![“They [Mc Donalds] take people and give them a first job, which enables them to get a second job. They do a very good job of educating troubled young people to be good citizens and they're probably more successful than charter schools.” quote by Charlie Munger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a55/charlie-munger-458_be-good_they-mc-donalds-take-people-and-give-the_41809.jpg)
