Lewis Black and Mike Rose - Simalarities and Differences

Mike Rose’s blog post “Resolutions on Education” and Lewis Black’s “Education Crisis” video touch on several of the same subjects. They both believe that schools should provide a more challenging education. The issue that arises is that charter schools and other similar options are practically impossible to enroll in. It is an unfair process that does not adequately give students an equal chance. Both Black and Rose express that we should not rely on these types of schools. Black sarcastically states: “Im all for (charter schools)as long as the selection process is as public and cruel as humanly possible.” Mike Rose shares a similar opinion. One of his resolutions is: “To stop looking for the structural or technological magic bullet – whether it’s charter schools or value-added analysis – that will improve education”

Rose and Black are similar in their opinion of only knowledgeable public figures speaking on the topic of education. Lewis black shows a clip of an NBC news anchor saying they are spending a whole week dedicated to education. “A week for education” Black says, “51 weeks for incarceration.” Referring, of course, to the unbearable amount of prison shows that are aired on TV these days. Another clip shows that same news anchor speaking vaguely on how people can help their local schools. He says “If you drive by a public school, even if your kids don’t go there, walk in and ask how you can help.” Rose speaks more bluntly about the subject. He says we need to “ensure that people who actually know a lot about schools will appear on Oprah and will be consulted by politicians and policy makers.”

Black shows his viewers a clip of a newly built, upscale, overly fancy school. This school comes equipped with a “exquisite auditorium”, “ritzy retro café”, and a perfectly manicured public park. They reveal that the cost for this school cost just over half a billion dollars. Black exclaims “I’m pretty sure schools shouldn’t be the nicest building you’ll ever be in.” Like black, Rose speaks of the importance of this issue. His opinion is: “To make do with fewer economists is education.” He reinforces his reasoning by sarcastically saying, “I mean, my Lord, with a few exceptions they did such a terrific job analyzing the financial and housing markets.” He goes on to say that economists are experiencing an “identity crisis”. All the more reason for schools to tone down all the unneeded extras, and focus on the true importance of school; To provide students with an engaging and challenging education.