Idiot Nation, Michael Moore, Critical Essay Critique

Words: 1271
Pages: 6

Critical Essay

In Rereading America an excerpt by Michael Moore entitled “Idiot Nation” focuses on the collapsing educational system in the United States of America. Moore brings to light his view on the failures of the educational system and the lack of financing that has been caused from the top of the food chain. Politicians as well as American corporations contribute to the decline in education according to Moore. He attempts to give the reader a clear picture of where America places the importance of educational funding. He follows-up with detailed examples on what districts and schools resort to in order to gain financial support for their programs. Moore is quick to point out the irony of politics and education in America
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Moore works to paint a picture of horrible learning conditions created by funding deficits and incomprehensible teaching situations that leads to schools having to get creative with alternative funding, which is not always ideal for the students. American Corporations not only have made America thrive but they have shown their willingness to jump in and lend a hand to schools as Moore sarcastically points out. Michael Moore works to convey his conspiracy theories and the hidden agenda behind Corporate America’s goodwill nature towards helping out public schools. Moore relates to the reader how large corporations who bring programs like “Book-It,” a program encouraging reading or “Box Tops for Education,” where certain labels from products purchased get turned in and school’s get money or equipment in return all have hidden agendas and are solely doing it for their financial gain. Continuing to try and provide factual information he mentions how certain corporations who want to advertise their products to the youth will sponsor events. Food and beverage product advertisement as well as the distribution of the products on to school campuses have given school administrators incentives for their cooperation. Moore describes these programs and product placements as hurting the children by forcing them to be advertisers and surrounding them with high fat foods, and sugary