In the hustle and bustle of our crazy world we need to pause and ask ourselves if we are really sheep? In saying the word "sheep" I am merely referring to most people as followers that do not possess the quality of leadership. Introduction to "Rereading America" author Gary Colombo states "As we grow up, we accept a certain way of looking at the world and a certain way of thinking," which should not be the case, people need to try to make decisions that will pull them out of routines similar to everyone's; originality is something to keep in mind when trying to accomplish this goal (3). Mike Rose author of "I Just Wanna Be Average," borrowed Jack MacFarland's identity, who was Rose's mentor in his short story, who then "provided a critical perspective on society" therefore helping Rose to establish his own identity (173). To accomplish individuality people must be open and yet skeptical to new ideas, formulating themselves into critical beings (2). The educational system for example should include the opportunity for students to use critical thinking, that is, to question ideas and experience new ways of viewing the world. My own educational experiences and Mike rose's Voc. Ed experiences illustrate the pit falls of not being taught to think for one's self.
             Teachers are the building blocks of education. They have the power to make or break someone's academic progress with the strategy they use. Many teachers import raw knowledge to students without helping them to think analytically. Mike Rose gave many examples of ill prepared teachers including his English teacher who had the class reading and then rereading the text Julius Caesar for an entire semester (164). This obviously is not challenging to a student body in high school. Many other instructors too often mimic this certain teacher's strategy. I can recall many times in my high s...