Egyptian schools are breeding grounds for rebellion

[xchrom]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/10/egyptian-schools-breeding-rebellion

Although education systems around the world seek to produce "good citizens", schools in Arab countries have the additional function of teaching students to obey – and fear – the regime.

"The curricula taught in Arab countries seem to encourage submission, obedience, subordination and compliance, rather than free critical thinking," the Arab Human Development Report complained in 2003.

While few would dispute that Arab state schools try to inculcate subservience, it appears no one bothered to ask whether they were succeeding. But now, research by Hania Sobhy at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London suggests that in Egypt, at least, this most central exercise in promoting conformity and obedience has been deftly subverted and disobeyed by pupils, and to a lesser extent by teachers.

In addition to certain school subjects with an overtly "patriotic" focus that exalt the "achievements" of the state and effectively equate the Egyptian regime with the nation, the school day itself starts with the highly regimented morning assembly. "The central ritual of Egyptian schools is the taboor (line up)," Sobhy said.

[bemildred]

1. Any school worth its salt is a breeding ground for rebellion. nt

[xchrom]

2. Though they should not fail to educate while instill skepticism

Of institutions.

Now I don't know how true it is - but the article talks about how the quality of education for so many was poor.
Another failure of past regime.
Of course I think people know when they are receiving a bad education.
Another thing for people to be angry about.

[bemildred]

3. Teaching is a subversive activity, always has been.

Why the hell do you think the political establishment started disemboweling our schools after the VietNam debacle?

[xchrom]

5. Indeed. Nt

[hobbit709]

4. you got it.

That's why today's schools suck, they only train obedient serfs.