The author of the article is Brink Lindsey, the Vice President for research at the Cato
Institute. In the article, "Culture of Success", the author depicts different matters in the
education system, for example, the financial problem which affects students and the rate of
success of several cultural groups in various colleges. The main purpose of the article was to
inform the readers on matters relating to children education in America. The purpose of the
article is also to inform the readers on factors that influence children performance in
schools. Lindsey acknowledges and anticipates various opinions. The author examines all
likely matters, that may have an impact on individual's academic performance, for example,
shortage of skills, sufficient practice, socioeconomic status of the family, social order, and
the impact of the parental education. However, the article lacks references, personal opinion,
conclusion, and lacks symbolic diagrams for presentation. While this article gives various
evidence showing that lack of funds as the most significant explanation for why poor
children do not go to college, there are other factors that can also hinder those children from
going to college.
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Critique
Lindsey acknowledges and anticipates various opinions relating to children
education. According to the author, Lower-income Americans fail to go to college despite
the fact that there are incentives for them to go. Insufficient money is the main explanation
for why lower-income students do not go to school, but, additional subsidies to the children
will be beneficial to the children (Lindsey pg.1). Lower-income children also go to under-
funded collages that provide poor quality education. However, the abilities that students
bring with them to school is more significant than school programs the article also
acknowledges the importance of involvement of children in conversation. The article states
that, simple talks and involvement of children on various topics is very important for them
to express different opinions. Lindsey also brought another matter relating to socioeconomic
status of the family; rich parents, invest more money in their children, hence helping them
get higher grades. Furthermore, the author brings in the issue of encouragement for children
growth and development.
Lindsey discussed a significant topic relating to education system and children
performance, however the article is quite vague. it has adequate and affectionate
confirmation to demonstrate the implication of cultural background in children's academics,
however, it lacks personal opinion and specific conclusion. Lindsey did not recapitulate
what he said in the main argument to suggest to the audience that he have achieved what he
set out to achieve. Perhaps, Lindsey wished to leave it like that to demonstrate that the issue
is not yet solved.
The author evidence is not convincing. The author did not provide reference for his
evidence. He did not acknowledge the opinions and contribution of other researchers and
authors in his work, which means that, he did not give credit to the authors from whom he
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had borrowed ideas and words. Referencing an article with a particular scholar means to
respect and acknowledge the property rights of that author. Lack of evidence will, therefore
reduce the credibility of the article.
The use of statistical data in "Culture of Success" is very important as it convinces
the readers on the various matter in the article, however, most of the statistical data in the
article are not UpToDate. For example, the author compares children from rich and poor
families who enrolled in college in the year 2003 (Lindsey pg.1). “In 2006, 34 percent of
white Americans aged 25-26 held college degrees, compared to 19 percent of African
Americans and only 10 percent”. The article, therefore do not provide latest information to
the reader.
Lindsey uses various statistical data to prove different arguments, however, he fails
to represent his data in symbolic diagrams. Lindsey fails to present his data in charts or
graphs. Charts or graphs help readers make sense of the data and comprehend the data
quickly. For instance, lack of presentation of data for different years will hinder readers
from getting clear understanding of the data and compare the data with other data.
I agree to a few opinions in the article. For example, I agree with the idea that
children need encouragement to boost their performance. It is true that students who receive
words of encouragement from successful graduates would be more likely to prosper. I agree
with point that, children of lower income earners would mostly hear discouraging rather
than encouraging words from their parents. According to me, children need encouragement
and if parents or guidance seize to encourage their children, they will possibly not perform
well in school. I also agree with the opinion that lower income children go to under-funded
colleges that provide poor quality education. The point is very true because most of these
children cannot afford well-equipped colleges.
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Conclusion
Lindsey shares various information and evidence relating to education system and
children performances. However, this article lacks credibility as the author do not provide
reference for the opinion and contribution of other writers. Furthermore, the article is not
reliable because it does not provide up to date information. The article is also not clear
because the author does not provide personal opinion and conclusion of the research. Future
research and writing on the same topic with a clear conclusion, personal opinion and
references is necessary to provide clear understanding of the issue.
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References
Lindsey, B. Culture of Success. New Republic (2008) 1-3