Analysis: The Dumbest Generation
The word “dumb” is used exactly twenty-one times within this essay. The main conflict, however, is not who the word is being inflicted on. Rather the “definition” being irreparably twisted and inflicted upon the reader. In the process, bearing only arbitrary conclusions, twisted logic, and ill placed bias. This word may seem harmless, however, it is the vehicle for only someone who is, in truth, dumb, to inflict upon those who can not be judged as a whole. The under thirty generation is not the dumbest, because “dumb” is not defined, which shows that the definitions can be warped by bias.
Bauerlein's entire argument hinges upon the definition of “dumb.”In the web article “The Dumbest Generation? Don't be Dumb,”“A more fundamental problem
is what Bauerlein has in mind by ‘dumbest.’ If it means ‘holding the least knowledge,’ then he has a case”(Source B). Begley was able to define “dumb” as something which would support her argument whereas Bauerlein neglected to do so. Therefore, making his point faulty. These two authors evaluated the word differently and arrived at two contrasting conclusions. When Bauerlein pulls upon empirical data,“...in the 2007 Pew survey on ‘What Americans Know:1989-2007’ 56 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds possessed low knowledge levels, while only 22 percent of 50- to- 64-year olds did”(Source A). The phrasing of this data implies that more people who are younger have “low-level knowledge,” than those who are older. However, this point is faulty as that experience can be contributed to life experience. Nor, does he state that “low-level knowledge” is in fact “dumb.” He has twisted evidence to make it seem as if it supports his point, even though it does not. All simply through the use of his words. In the cartoon by Chast Roz,“A man on the computer in front of shelves of books, some of which have shocked facial expressions”(Source H). The man could be seen as “dumb” for using a computer when he has so much knowledge available, however, some could see him as intellectual for using a computer which is more efficient. The bias of the view judges the man depending on personal bias. The books appeared shocked by behavior, whether from being ignored or utilized upon the screen, is decided by the viewer. Therefore, Bauerlein's argument is inaccurate, as it is corroded by opinion, and not judge upon the basis of factual evidence.
In conclusion, the under thirty generation is not the “dumbest,” because “dumb” is indefinite, which shows that personal bias warps definitions. Beuerlein has twisted the definition of dumb, as well as empirical evidence with his bias. This manipulation has persuaded the reader into pinning the blame on the under thirty generation, they are not “dumb,” but any other adjective is still up for grabs. Twenty-one times dumb has been used, and each of them proving why invoking it only makes one person look dumb, you.
Bauerlein's entire argument hinges upon the definition of “dumb.”In the web article “The Dumbest Generation? Don't be Dumb,”“A more fundamental problem
is what Bauerlein has in mind by ‘dumbest.’ If it means ‘holding the least knowledge,’ then he has a case”(Source B). Begley was able to define “dumb” as something which would support her argument whereas Bauerlein neglected to do so. Therefore, making his point faulty. These two authors evaluated the word differently and arrived at two contrasting conclusions. When Bauerlein pulls upon empirical data,“...in the 2007 Pew survey on ‘What Americans Know:1989-2007’ 56 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds possessed low knowledge levels, while only 22 percent of 50- to- 64-year olds did”(Source A). The phrasing of this data implies that more people who are younger have “low-level knowledge,” than those who are older. However, this point is faulty as that experience can be contributed to life experience. Nor, does he state that “low-level knowledge” is in fact “dumb.” He has twisted evidence to make it seem as if it supports his point, even though it does not. All simply through the use of his words. In the cartoon by Chast Roz,“A man on the computer in front of shelves of books, some of which have shocked facial expressions”(Source H). The man could be seen as “dumb” for using a computer when he has so much knowledge available, however, some could see him as intellectual for using a computer which is more efficient. The bias of the view judges the man depending on personal bias. The books appeared shocked by behavior, whether from being ignored or utilized upon the screen, is decided by the viewer. Therefore, Bauerlein's argument is inaccurate, as it is corroded by opinion, and not judge upon the basis of factual evidence.
In conclusion, the under thirty generation is not the “dumbest,” because “dumb” is indefinite, which shows that personal bias warps definitions. Beuerlein has twisted the definition of dumb, as well as empirical evidence with his bias. This manipulation has persuaded the reader into pinning the blame on the under thirty generation, they are not “dumb,” but any other adjective is still up for grabs. Twenty-one times dumb has been used, and each of them proving why invoking it only makes one person look dumb, you.