I have to agree with much of the video, especially about how quantitative testing methods are sucking the life out of the classroom. Schools are no longer about learning and the passion for knowledge, but instead they are a series of placement exams and IQ tests. All of which should be irrelevant, or at the very least not be used as a primary quantifier.
I also loved how the person on the boat said that we’re aspirational on a materialistic level, because it’s so true on so many levels. Every year, most people I’m surrounded by are well versed how the new iPod will change their lives this Christmas, but very few are aware of peace summits and political events. I’m not much different though, although I sometimes read the Economist and browse the New York Times casually, I still take more interest in my material goods than the world around me. That’s partially attributed to the fact that I’m a technophile, and another because its very difficult to get a good source of news that it’s spewing out hype and misinformation.
The video claims we’re apathetic to find out new information, and that’s mostly because we’re never rewarded for knowing this information, except if we’re in a heated discussion with someone a bit older and wiser than us. On the other hand, if most people aren’t aware of the latest event regarding popular media, they can risk being shunned by their peers. So in reality, its not a hard choice for most people to make – the popular media wins every time.
