On my commute to work this morning, Armstrong & Getty talk radio was discussing how the numbers of high school and college graduates in the U.S. are steadily declining. Only 75% of high school seniors are graduating in stark contrast to about 97-98% of South Korean graduates. I know this is not new news, especially considering the fact that any country besides the U.S. seems to be more academically rigorous.
A couple of questions- if this statistic is the case, then why is it still difficult to "get ahead" if 25% of U.S. high school students aren't graduating? Even more, only 50% of college attendees are even receiving their diplomas- so why is it seemingly still competitive in terms of securing financial success if there is less of the populace receiving high school and collegiate degrees, therefore leading to, one would think, a less competitive job pool? It is sad enough that a mere college degree will not promise success; hell, that's almost a compulsory requirement to even compete in our dwindling job market.
Armstrong & Getty attributes our dwarfed intellectual power in comparison to other countries-most notably in Asia-to our indulgence in affluence. I liked how they compared the U.S. to a "dottling fat king" sans any motivation or drive to become better. Countries like Korea or China are less endowed and downright poor and students spend more of their time studying and achieving academic success in order to avoid plight and as a means to bolster a brighter future.
I guess it pays to be poor because we sho' are a lot more humble and hardworking that way.
P
**EDIT: My blog post title was a rhetorical question, so no need to reply...but feel free to! My blood is boiling for a hot debate!
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