Summary Of Demanding More From College, By Frank Bruni

Although I agree with the vast majority of Frank Bruni’s claims about the benefits of the ideas of community and diversity, I believe some of his prescriptions in Demanding More From College to solve the polarizing and alienating effect of the internet on the individual in our modern society are perhaps a bit naive and misguided although for the most part a good first step. Most people agree that college is supposed to be one of the most fun times of one’s fine where one meets those who are to be one’ friends for the rest of one’ life, the Frank Bruni, author of Demanding More From College thinks “there’s another dimension to college.” In our politically bipolar landscape, Bruni suggests that college students are a crucial part of solving the problem. Bruni say that we must “confront and change political and social aspects of American life that are as troubling as the economy.” I completely agree, seeing as how
college student have historically been instrumental in making social change happen, not only in the United States but in most countries around the world. Bruni advocates that we “use college as an exception and a retort to [the political polarization and isolation in which we live], as a pre-emptive strike against it, as a staging ground for behaving and living in a different, broader, healthier way.” I agree that it is the duty of any informed citizen to fight for these values and Bruni gives ways in which we can do so. Bruni proposes that we integrate the value of others’ perspectives into not only our personal habits but also into our education system.
Bruni explains his ideas saying, “we should talk as much about the way college can establish patterns of reading, thinking, and interacting that bulk the current tendency among Americans to touch themselves into enclaves of allies with the same politics, same cultural tastes, the same incomes.” He gives insight into the importance of diversity of thought as well as the importance of learning how to analyze, understand and criticize the world around us. Since us college students are not “set in [our] ways,” Bruni sas the least we can do is “open [our] laptops. Delete at least one of every four bookmarks. Replace it with something entirely different. Go to Twitter, Facebook, and such, and start connecting with publications, blogs and people whose views diverge from our own. Mix it up.” However, I believe that is simplistic solutions that ultimately reveals itself to be naive, however a good first
step.
My opinion is that while is it good to be exposed and understand others’ opinions, not all opinions are based on fact and in fact some are actually wilfully ignorant, rendering Bruni’ argument false. Although I see the value in other people’s opinions because oftentimes they bring us a perspective we had not seen before, I do not wholeheartedly agree that one must “respect everyone’s beliefs.” For example, there are some people with sincerely held beliefs that are simply and demonstrably incorrect. While a Klu Klux Klan member’s belief might be the superiority of the “White Race,” that does not make it an opinion worthy of respect. For that reason, I believe it is important to be open minded to new ideas, but not so open minded so that one’s mind falls out of one’s skull.
In conclusion, I believe that while the author of Demanding More From College, Frank Bruni may have some good points about accepting diversity and our community, I think there always a need and space to be a critical thinker and evaluate ideas, beliefs and opinions in a logical and truthful manner that will allow the truth to be set free. After all, “truth is singular, its ‘versions’ are mistruths.”