A forceful decline in education

In the on-going why-do-they-hate-us Middle Eastern debate, I have come to believe that the vilification of liberal education is playing a huge role. It makes twisted sense that a heavily enforced religious education, and the suppression of other forms of literacy that might present a varied world view, would only benefit rulers who want to keep their citizens weak and compliant.

As if to prove my point, Iranian "president" Ahmadinejad, is asking students to force liberal and secular educators into early retirement. What's so brilliant about this is that Ahmadinejad has the power to do this himself - but by enlisting students, he is further drawing them into his party line, making it much more likely that they will continue to act in ways consistent with his beliefs.

In a bizarre way, this is what frats do with hazing: when people do something extreme like streaking through a busy quad, they are backing the party line. If you ever start doubting the party line, you find yourself in a state psychologists call cognitive dissonance - which basically means that you have conflicting beliefs, i.e. the uncomfortable previous action is an investment in the group while doubts make the group less appealing. Humans, by nature, really hate cognitive dissonance and the only way to solve it is to either admit that your previous actions were foolish, or ignore your doubts and continue to tow the line.

Guess which one most people choose?