2007-05-21 13:52:28 · 7 answers · asked by nana_bad_ass 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
MYTH 9: EVER SINCE PRAYER WAS REMOVED FROM SCHOOLS, PUBLIC SCHOOL PERFORMANCE HAS DECLINED AND SOCIAL ILLS HAVE INCREASED.
This argument is a common fallacy of logic known as post hoc ergo propter hoc, or, the assumption that if two events occur in sequence, that the first must have caused the second. (The phrase is Latin for "after this, therefore on account of this.")
It is true that some indices of school performance have decreased since 1962, but absolutely no evidence exists linking these developments to the school prayer issue. In fact, the drop has been caused by wholly unrelated factors. SAT scores, for example, are lower today simply because more students from a wider variety of socio-economic backgrounds take the test. In the years preceding 1962, the SAT was taken almost exclusively by upper class, well-educated students from wealthy backgrounds.
The problems experienced in American society today are due to complex socio-economic factors. It is simplistic thinking to blame every societal problem from the increase in teenage pregnancies to the escalating divorce rate on a lack of required prayer in schools.
It should also be pointed out that not all indicators of American society have declined since 1962. Life expectancy, for instance, is up, as is the average standard of living. Impressive medical advances have occurred in the past 30 years, and labor- reducing technologies are commonplace. School prayer advocates are quick to blame every bad thing that has occurred since 1962 on the prayer ruling, but they never mention the positive developments, which, under their premise, must also be a result of the decisions. The prayer and Bible reading decisions did cause two clear-cut results: Families gained greater religious liberty and the right to decide which religious exercises their children participate in, and church-state separation was strengthened.
2007-05-21 13:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by katlynnhow 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You sound like the Momma off of Detroit Rock City.
2007-05-21 13:57:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no. the problem is, irresponsible parenting and, day care. if the parents had to spend all day with these kids, it would be a whole different story.
2007-05-21 13:58:34 · answer #3 · answered by ny21tb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES! Not to mention that they are no longer required to pass a grade to be moved onto the next, or to graduate.
2007-05-21 13:57:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
No but spanking out of the home has.
2007-05-21 14:06:38 · answer #5 · answered by Smarty Pants™ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
NO! NO! NO! NO!
Do NOT Force any idiotic religious dogma on me or my child.
2007-05-21 13:57:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No.
Lack of parenting skills has.
2007-05-21 13:55:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋