EDUCATION OR INDOCTRINATION

by Mary L. Allen ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 1955

Repercussions of the Pasadena schools' case are still heard, and in this book the Opposition (in contradistinction to the viewpoint expressed in Hulburd's It Happened in Pa back in 1951) takes the platform. In analysis of the situation under the superintendency of Wiliard Goslin the author stresses what she sees as the inherently Communistic elements involved. She contends that progressive education, outgrowth of Dewey's philosophy, is a vehicle for the Communist doctrines. To illustrate her thesis, she outlines those facets of administration in Pasadena which emphasized group action while in practice railroading discussions calling dissenters disloyal, and naming their process ""democracy"". When the case jelled and the name of Allen Zoll, as a fascistic red baiter, entered the picture, she presents evidence to disprove the charges against him. She then claims that the principles of UNESCO, which she considers an organization opposed to individual freedom in principles of internationalism, were subversively taught in the Pasadena schools. One reads this with mixed feelings. It indicates a mixture of forces for good and evil at work, and convinces at times -- antagonizes at others. The outcome seems a negative one, paying lip service to liberal education, but showing tendencies to an intense nationalism that could be even more stifling than group thinking.Definitely controversial.

Pub Date: March 26, 1955

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Caxton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1955

Categories: NONFICTION