"New Rules"

The riveting article "New Rules" published in the New York Times, mainly discusses the extraordinary educational system in Estonia. The pathos in this article strongly relates to the emotions of the United States. Thomas L. Friedman utilizes data as well as quotes from credible sources to build his story. The quote "Work hard and play by the rules" was coined by President Clinton in 1992, and has been used multiple times by President Obama in his speeches to persuade listeners that the open system in America is fair. The logos provided in this article ranged from the unemployment rate in the United States to global school system rankings. In America, the unemployment rate for people with four years of college is 4.1%, with two years college 6.6%, with high school diploma 8.8%, and high school dropouts have an unemployment rate of 12%. The Shanghai school system is ranked number one in the public school system, beating the rest of the world in math, science, and reading (global PISA exam). The fact that children in this school system are learning how to code from age 7 to 16 makes Estonia the number one target, especially for China. "Lifelong learning is the key to the middle class" is a very powerful statement and plays to the pathos of the paper. Citizens in the United States seem to have one goal and that is to have a decent job and make a decent living. Now that goal seems to be achievable only through higher education, yet that will only provide a mediocre life. The final words that still linger in my mind after reading this article are said by futurist Alvin Toffler "Illiteracy will not be defined by those who cannot read and write but by those who cannot learn and relearn." This statement is so influential due to the fact of the ever-changing technological world as well as the workforce adapting to consumer demands.