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The 5 Most Destructive Lies American Public Schools Have Taught Us to Believe

After 12 years in the American public school system, here’s what I’ve learned…

10 min read2 days ago

Photo by Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash

Let’s be honest — school taught us a lot of things. Some were useful. Most were questionable. And a few were just flat-out lies. As someone who went through the American public school system and has multiple family members who still work in education, (my mother is a third-generation teacher and multiple aunts and uncles have followed in that profession), I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on the stuff we were told to believe about learning, success, and the “real world.” At least five of these lies have led to serious debt, anxiety, and depression in my generation. I understand that I am speaking as an American with first-hand experience in US education. That said, even though this is written from a U.S. perspective, many global education systems push the same myths with different accents. So whether you were raised in Texas or Tokyo, I hope a few of these hard truths hit home. Because at the end of the day, school might’ve handed us diplomas — but it also handed us some serious B.S.

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The Honest Perspective

Published in The Honest Perspective

Publishing articles on all aspects of daily life that can offer a new perspective born from personal experience and honest reflection. A place to be seen and heard as our true selves and empower & inspire others.

Rachel Dvorak
Rachel Dvorak

Written by Rachel Dvorak

I'm a copywriter, aspiring novelist, committed Catholic, and self-proclaimed film nerd.

Responses (16)

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This is so important, not just for the education system but all the systems we have ascribed to without questioning them and if they actually have any real relevance to our individual lives. Thank you for sharing this with HP readers Rachel.

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I'd give this 100 claps if I could.

16

You won’t be successful if you don’t go to college.

Said no real estate agent ever.

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