Speech or Indoctrination?

Despite the disapproval of some Americans, on September 8th 2009, President Obama delivered an address from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia to students all across America. The words ‘My education, My future’ read across banners in the background.

At our school, students were divided about Obama’s speech. Some students felt Obama was inspirational and others felt he was indoctrinating students.

“I think the controversy is justified. Obama abused his power by forcing kids to listen to him and his speech. He raised good points in his speech, but he is trying to force everyone to agree with him,” said an anonymous student.

Prior to Obama’s student address, there was some controversy between parents in several states including Texas and Virginia. Several parents felt Obama would be indoctrinating children . Some felt such a speech could only happen in a socialist society.

On the other hand several students, teachers and parents enjoyed watching Obama address students nationwide.

The main focus of his speech was to challenge students this school year and to make them realize how important it is to become successful in life.

According to Online News Hour Extra, most of the nation’s school districts planned to show the speech and made exceptions for the students whose parents did not want their child to watch it.

Obama used phrases such as ‘There is no excuse for not trying,’ ‘The future of America depends on you’ and ‘You can’t let your failures define you, you have to let them teach you’ to urge the students to work hard and stay in school.

“I agree and disagree with the speech. I understand conservatives’ criticism because of the legal principles of federalism being undermined by the President’s involvement in education. From a strict constructionist view of the US Constitution, the 10th Amendment reserves education within the province of the states. In America we don’t have nationalized education. Federal intervention smacks of socialism, and this upsets folks. They feel the President is overreaching. But I quoted the President in my opening ceremony remarks. The content, though, maybe not the act of his speech, was right on. He encouraged youngsters to do their best and talked about perseverance, and advancement through education. Encouraging young Americans to rise to high expectations is a worthy presidential issue. I am glad the President said what he said – I hope students listen,” said Assistant Principal, Joseph Canale.

By challenging children to think about their education, some may come to realize how much their education is and will take ownership of their work.

Although the speech may have turned some people away, it may inspire others to open their eyes to become responsible students.

President Obama ended his speech with a plea, “Even when you feel like other people have given up on you, don’t give up on yourself!”

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