Freakonomics

Freakonomics

Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

People call this a book by a rogue economist. I think he should be referred to as a rogue socialist.

This book is a study of society, and the proof that the world is greedy. The incentives that have been put in action to strive people to do better and obtain more. "What people will do to get what they want" is continously asked. Whether teachers puff up scores to keep superiors at bay and\or receive possible bonuses to how a child is and should be named, deeming them a failure or a success. It raises many questions on subjects that are not normally associated but may possibly have been direct results of each other. Like the decline in the crime rates of the 1990's when abortion was legalized. Society is greedy and unpredictable, this book turned the connection between the two topics on its head. The woman that fought so hard for abortion because she was a drug abuser and had already given up two children for adoption is one of the biggest pro-life supporters today. She fought hard to get what she wanted at the time and is now fighting to combat it. The subject in the book that resinates the most is the last chapter, PERFECT PARENTING, PART II; OR: WOULD ROSHONDA BY ANY OTHER NAME SMELL AS SWEET? this chapter is the one that really got me thinking. I grew up in a mostly black community. To really think that my peers are at a heavier disadvantage than myself due to their name, frankly its crap. Im at a disadvantage but ever so slightly less than the same men and women of another color who received the same education and similar upbringing. Someone named Darron Williams will be passed over for an interview, the first part of finding a job after meeting the qualifications on a "repeat" resume. But someone name Jake Williams will get the interview. With the study that was conducted, "repeat" resume comes about. Two fluffed identical resumes, were sent to the same employer. One with Darron a "black" name and the other with Jake a "white" name, applying for the same position, Jake was more likely to get the call back. I find this easy to believe and wish it wasn't true. I find that even tho I am farely young I have a lack of belief in society changing much more during my life time. This society is still filled with the nonsense beliefs it was filled with decades ago. This topic also make me wonder if when i name my children should I lean toward a "white" name especially since im in a interracial relationship.

The earlier idea of teachers fluffing scores is very true but it's not something that wasn't created by the same people who are suppose to frown upon it. The school system is a failure because we want teachers to teach irrelevant issues to kids who can care less and expect them to score well when tested on it. A teacher teaches and entire text book but the children are lucky to remember even the slightest bit at the end of the yr. it should be unacceptable for teachers to fluff scores but it should also be unacceptable for the board of education to nominate in my option foolishness to be taught and expect good results. Everyone can't be held to the same standards because all men are created equal isn't a reality. I don't see how teachers can be compared to sumo wrestlers in anyway, must be one of those lost factors while reading. But I'm going to read it again and see where it gets me. Maybe I'll write this again and it might be different whether extremely or in the slightest. But more than likely it will be different.