Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right From Wrong, Reaction Paper Example

Accuracy of Young People Statement

Sommer’s observations that “Conceptually and culturally, however, today’s young people live in a moral haze,” and that they, “are incapable of making even one confident moral judgment” are inaccurate.  These are dangerous generalizations to make.  With weak supporting points, Sommer falls short on her intended point.

Today’s young people are capable of making moral judgments.  This seems to become a popular target within each new generation, which becomes very dangerous.  While there are of course some individuals who may be able to be placed into this group, it is not accurate or fair to lump this group together under this label.

Sommer’s support for the argument is also lacking.  Dramatizing the average student, he or she does not spend their time doing volunteer work and putting everything on the line to contribute to society.  Seeking to contrast it to the negatives of an individual, this is very misleading.  Sommer’s misguided association of the “philosophy of a sociopath” label onto young individuals is also uncalled for.  Put simply, Sommer cannot seem to find a relevant or justified ground onto which she may make her case.

Personal Accuracy

I do not find the observations relevant to my life.  In fact, I believe that most students who read this material would be offended, as I believe this essay represents.  In no way do I believe the average student is unable to make a single moral judgment.

Personally developing moral character is one of the most important dynamics in my life.  In relationship to personal values and other important characteristics of who I am as a human being, moral character is prime in my life.  Never would I find these observations relevant to my life, as my mistakes help build moral character, not identify that which I lack.

Sommer’s Suggestions

Sommer suggests a Great Relearning where young people can find knowledge and understanding through moral history.  Part of this involves the learning of classic works throughout literature, including those in religion, drama, and politics.  This philosophical, literary, and artistic basis would help build moral character.

These measures would be positive for building moral character.  However, Sommer may not be aware of the educational system, which does study many of these works, without the religious texts of course.  Sommer seems to be involved in a picturesque society for young people, where such educational opportunities currently exist, however.

Interesting Points

The most interesting feature of Sommer’s article is the unsecure ground upon the arguments that are built.  The ignorance of young people is supported by a few young people’s response on the Jay Leno Show.  Generalizations are made regarding the students’ reaction to “The Lottery” at Pasadena City College.  To these ends there are a number of generalizations and labels that are thrown to young people.

It goes even further.  In the second entitled “The Loss of Truth,” Sommers states that young people doubt if the United States was in the right, and on the right side, in World War II.  Young people also speak in a way that is ignorant, distrustful, cruel, treacherous, or overall in a fashion of moral skeptics, according to Sommers.  However, this essay becomes questionable most dominant in that of shallow grounds on the part of Sommers.