The phenomenon described is not dumbing down it's just reflective of societal illiteracy in general. In today's "culture" the sports pages and entertainment sections are read first for those who even still read newspapers. Gone are the days when current events are even discussed. I daresay most of today's college graduates cannot name the Vice President or Chief Justice much less the UN Ambassador. Current events, social studies in general, and civics are relegated to the dustbin of educational practice. This "progress" is offered up on the altar of STEM. Students may know how to code or explain a machloket rishonim but are hard pressed to have an intelligent conversation about world and national events. Sic transit gloria.
Dr. Wallace Greene
Former day school principal
