The cost of living continuously increase and income of the average 'Joe' does not, it is easy to see the importance of an education. Education allows for freedom of choice and prosperity. Yet the average student sits at his or her desk, doodling in their textbooks, barely hearing the words of their English teacher. What does education mean? It means coming to an institution every day and being bored to tears when there are better things to do in life, like sports, shopping, and socializing with friends (what these teenagers do not obtainable at a minimum wage job). If you want to drive a brand new Mercedes convertible, you need a high level of education in order to earn a high level income. Yet, in a society where success is measured by one's level of education, many teenagers undervalue its true benefits, because of the media's negative portrayal of education, pressure from school peers, and personal ignorance.
             The media's negative portrayal of education stems from a huge influence in the lives of teens and children. Whether in the form of television, films, or magazines, teenagers receive a sense of the importance of material wealth, yet education (the means of attaining material wealth) is criticized or is dubbed "un-cool". This opinion has been bred within the psyches of our children who grow into disrespectful teenagers with a taste for materialism and the 'fun' things in life, such as sports and socializing with friends. It is not uncommon for there to be subtle negative opinions surrounding education in the television shows and films teenagers watch. For example, in Woody Allen's film "Crimes and Misdemeanors", Allen's character explains to his impressionable teenage niece, "don't listen to what your teachers tell ya, you know. Don't pay attention. Just see what they look like...If you want to turn out like one of those pathetic losers, then do y...