Pink's "School's Out"

Though my first thoughts when realizing I am now required to write yet another paper, this time 8-10 pages, were mostly negative, in reading Pink's essay I became slightly more enlightened to the idea. I had forgotten how personal and possibly even fun (yes, I did just use the word fun) persuasive writing can be. Pink's essay was grasping, convincing, and held my attention. 

One thing I particularly enjoyed about Pink's writing was that he included connections I never would have considered. For example, interestingly enough, Pink wrote about studies that have shown individuals of all ages "[losing] the intrinsic motivation and the pure joy derived from learning and working when somebody takes away their sense of autonomy and instead imposes some external system of reward and punishment." Just yesterday, Dr. Henderson at Boise State University was lecturing over the very same ideas. Though merely a coincidence and particularly good timing, Pink's inclusion of this idea made me that much more intrigued in what he had to say, not to mention it also increased the respect I feel towards it. I think my point here is to make note that many and diverse connections drastically improve your writing, something worthy of taking note of as I begin a new writing assignment. 

Though I felt the recognition of opposing arguments to be rather scarce in comparison to his portrayed beliefs, I felt what he had included to be sufficient. Often times in reading argumentative essays I find myself disagreeing or refuting much of what is said. However, here I found myself so intrigued that I acted as a sponge and absorbed information rather than assuming the role of my typical stubborn self. 

Another interesting idea I have taken note of in my reading is that Pink's arguments relate to one another only through 'home schooling." He attacks his argument from such diverse directions that I almost feel too intimidated to argue against him. Home schooling has never really been a topic of discussion I have been involved in and I never though much of it. Now, after reading much of what Pink has to say about it, I almost find myself wishing that I had been home schooled. Still, I feel this is a tough decision as it is easy to fall into believing the traditional route as the best. 

On a separate note, I found some of what Pink had to say a bit unnerving. Change is a difficult thing to face and when it is as big as the end of high school or high school teens running their own online businesses, it can be overwhelming as with technological advances. I must admit that I fear many things will 'ruin' the world despite the fact that most things are portrayed in a positive manner. Regardless, my sponge of a brain in reading this essay, though uncomfortable, didn't want it to end.

Overall, I enjoyed Pink's essay more than most materials I have read recently.I found his writing to be bold and ambitious, something I greatly admire. We've talked about taking risks in our writing and if there is ever a place to do this in non-fiction writing I argue that it is here. I will even go as far as to say I am inspired and more ready and willing to pursue my upcoming assignment.