as many ways to become an educated American, as there are Americans." Be that as it may, this form of education has very limited credibility. To pronounce one educated by observation and self-teachings is not nearly as favorable as someone who earned a college degree. So most of us conform. We realize the daunting task of life in front of us and try to prepare ourselves as best we can. This means attending college, assimilating and conforming. Bell Hooks said in her story, Keeping Close to Home: Class and Education, that the only way to get an education is by assimilation. She believed that you would have to conform and mold to the ideals of those in charge and in power. She herself however, strongly believes in staying in contact with her past. Hooks says that many people feel what they learn and their learning separates them from their past. When entering into a school of higher education and opportunity to advance in society, she feels blacks and other minorities are forced to conform with those of different ethnic back rounds, forgetting their own. Hooks talks about how to prevent this and I think its now being avoided. Through my own first hand experiences at Seton Hall, people of different back rounds and ethnicity maintain there own moral and cultural individuality but hold a respect and friendship with those from other ethnicity. To me, true education sits somewhere in the middle of learning what you love, paying for an education and keeping your own individuality. I agree with John Newman that the broader the education you get the more knowledgeable you will become in all areas of your study. However, I also think that it isn't necessary to pay for a college degree to be truly educated. The problem is you have nothing to show for or prove your intellect. In today's competitive society everyone wants the best, and if you don't complete a college education and have your own individual flares your going to have a much ...
