What's the Big Idea?
It is an enduring strain in American discourse that the vox populi is to be trusted over that of the nation's appointed or de facto leaders. After all, the country was founded in defense of individual liberty and against unilateral power. This spirit still animates much of our public discussion – and with the glow of 4th of July fireworks still fading from our retinas, it’s as good a moment as any for national self-reflection.
Chris Cerf, Acting Commissioner of New Jersey schools, argues that "the voice of the people" isn't always the loud voice of dissent. We, the media, tend to focus on controversy, and community leaders often arise and prosper by fanning its flames.
"There are tens of thousands of children on waiting lists in Harlem and the rest of New York City to get into a charter school," says Cerf, "Yet the newspaper will report that there are deep objections within the community to bringing in charter schools . . . because people like to cover conflict."
Read more at Big Think
Original content Bob DeMarco, Look Beyond the Obvious
