I agree with this interpretation of the story and believe that it has an impact on people today. People are very prone to believing their favored source of information (CNN, Fox, Wikipedia etc.) and while it may be partly correct, sources today are much more biased and only give the truth they want. This makes it challenging for educators when getting into controversial or complex topics as most people will come in with their strong opinion about it. I also think that the students will have one of those “stepping out of the cave” moments when being informed on what is a credible source and what shouldn’t be trusted. Personally, I remember feeling embarrassed that I was using material I found online in the past that I would use as a source in my homework without hesitation. Sure I knew that some sites couldn’t be trusted but I didn’t realize just how many were not abdicable sources. In a sense, I was “blinded” by this new information and I believe students also feel the same when finding out that very little sources are credible nowadays. 

This article explains the Allegory of the Cave and the writer’s interpretation of what it means and how it relates to today. There are two quotes that I think explain the article’s take on the story. One is, “The allegory shows us how a person brought up on a fixed worldview will find it difficult to accept another highly contrasting outlook, thus resisting and even rejecting the possibility of change and self-discovery.” We are so set in our ways of thinking in today’s society that we don’t take the time to understand other’s views or ideas. If we don’t accept other’s ideas then we can not grow and progress as individuals or as a society. The second quote is, “Rather than to fix our eyes on a blank wall, it is time to break the shackles in our mind and turn around – to be momentarily blinded by the splendor of truth.” Sometimes we have to let go of our views and mindset to accept what is reality. The author also goes on to talk about the parallels from Plato’s story to movies, computer and video games, and historical events. I agree with this viewpoint, however, I think the main parallel from the story is to education. It’s easy for teachers to get stuck in their ways and think there way is the best way, but in order to progress, we have to take opinions and tips from others. We need help because we can’t teach on our own, it takes the work of a community so we can’t blind ourselves from learning because only good comes from expanding your mind and being open to new ideas. 

(Anna): I totally agree with you. Teachers' need to reach out past themselves to be able to keep growing and learning new ideas. It is very important to stay "fresh" with new ideas so they don't bore their students with the same ideas. It definitely takes a community to make a student successful. Teachers' cannot teach a student alone. They only have so much time with the student. Families, friends, and communities play a large role and making sure a student is successful in school.