Hacker News Reader

Its more about indoctrination prior to the age of reason.

Kids biologically can't discern lies prior to that age unless they've had some form of trauma (from what I've been told), and often accept what's read and written as truth. Few re-evaluate those beliefs later as they become part of their identity.

Its why that Florida education issue was such a hot-button topic. They tried overtly embedding some of that junk into math problems.

View on HN

Oh I agree completely. I do think education can help combat indoctrination though, at least while it's happening.

Teach kids there are other possibilities and how to think critically and they won't be so quick to accept BS.

Well indoctrination is one of those things that's hard to believe unless you see it in action. Its hard to teach about too because it is something that you don't really believe is happening until you've seen it from experience. There are a number of things like that, and to undo the damage you have to have reached a certain level of self awareness which many never get to.

Critical thinking by itself isn't really enough in my opinion either. It only impresses how much additional work is needed, on an ongoing basis, to defend yourself. Its often overwhelming, and rarely are things like negotation and credibility taught in a way that kids can understand.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com