duh?

There's a sign posted on the library door at my new school that says, "Right is right, even if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it."

Like, really?

Oh, how silly of me, to have thought that shit is a little more complicated than that. Why do some educators think that what students need is a simple formula for how to do everything? What's wrong with coming to the (hate to use this word) conclusion that things are complicated, and that that's where the fun starts? Hm? What makes it even better/worse is that it's not even a real poster. Somebody just typed it out in Times New Roman, enlarged that shit, and then put it up to let student's know what's what.

I'm struck by the resemblance of that stupid sign to a conversation my Dad and I had one of the last times I was home about the rhetoric of infomercials.

Have a something important to say? Great: write a formulaic essay. It's simple, and easy, and anybody can do it in FIVE EASY PARAGRAPHS! Remember, tell us what you're gonna tell us, tell us, and then tell us what you told us! Don't forget your transition phrases!

But wait, there's more! If you accept that load of shit now, we'll also throw in cheesy, not-helpful advice. If you work hard, you will succeed! It's the American dream! (Some restrictions apply.)

How about, "Who the F knows what's 'right' and what's 'wrong'? Up for discussion in class today: this very question in various contexts. Answers will vary."