These are just a few examples of what Hirsch says are the “people, places, ideas, and events that shape our cultural conversation”. Without a common knowledge bank from which we can all draw, the concern is that the quality of our political and social discourse is bound to degrade. Our understanding of current events, our appreciation of music and the visual and performing arts – all are made richer by the undergirding of our shared knowledge. While lauded by many in the field of education, Hirsch’s assertions regarding the idea of core knowledge are not without controversy. Detractors believe his tenets of cultural literacy are cumbersome, arbitrary, even irrelevant. Some see the concept as favoring certain racial and socio-economic groups to the exclusion of others. So, as is the case with other arguments in the field of education, curriculum trends come in and out of favor, and the debate continues. I asked Paul, who taught college history for many years, whether he thought today’s young people are less culturally savvy than those of previous generations. He believes they are, and he points to a multitude of possible reasons for the shift. “For one thing, you can’t go anywhere without seeing this generation hooked up to some kind of device. They’re always looking at a screen, constantly entertained, and there’s no appreciation for actually committing things to long-term memory,” he says. “When you can look things up on the internet and get instant answers, the sheer value of the information is lost. They just don’t assimilate it and put it into any sort of meaningful context.” The Hochs also talk about a shift in values and priorities. “In the 1960s you had these big social movements, civil rights and women’s rights,” Paul says, “and then with the draft, anyone could be called up to serve in Vietnam. As a young person coming into adulthood during these times, you were naturally more engaged, because these issues affected you or someone you knew in a very personal way.” Whatever the reason, the evidence clearly indicates that Americans could benefit from less screen time and more time reading meaningful content and conversing with one another. Why is cultural literacy important? The Hochs point to the fact that young people today will be setting policies and voting for leaders in the near future, and they’ll be competing for jobs in an increasingly global marketplace. Understanding cultural differences and political and social influences is crucial for Americans to maintain economic and political stability. Besides reading and staying tuned in to current events, many educators consider travel an indispensable teaching tool. The Hochs have traveled the world together and believe there’s no better way to enhance your understanding of other cultures than to experience them firsthand. “I think the word that comes to mind is ‘aspirational’,” says Fran. “I’d love to see young people with dreams that push them a little past their comfort level; whether it’s a vacation destination that’s a bit more exotic, or exploring a college or university that they may not have considered, there’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored.” 36 | midtownmag.com
mm 034-039 cultural literacy.ind3 3
2/22/11 4:51:44 PM