Can Institutions Produce Freethinkers?

I've been challenged in my beliefs by those who tell me they have grown children who were institutionally educated are quite capable of independent thought today. Well... hello?? Of course it's possible... you're listening to the mad ravings of one of them now.

Although it is possible to raise freethinkers within the confines of the school system, there is no guarantee and as terms like "zero tolerance", "progressive discipline" and of course the ever popular "Safe Schools Act" become part of our vocabulary it becomes more and more challenging. These innocent sounding policies are often misconstrued and used against those children who tend to live outside the box. As outlined in this slightly dramatic yet very eye opening video, the system is designed keep us in a constant state of "zombification". Unless of course, you willingly comply with every request, every instruction, without hesitation or question. Once you have proven that you are a good little sheep through years of blindly following school rules with a smile, congratulations! You can now go on to become one of the next generation of educators, policy makers, health care providers or law enforcement agents. Awesome.

Don't think this is realistic? 

I've witnessed it in my own family; it is very real. This is a very frightening reality in today's society but as with any other parenting issue, one can only equip their children with the tools to succeed and at some point, step back and allow them to exercise their own judgement. It's just my opinion but by giving the responsibility of educating my children to the public school system, I am also giving up my power to equip them with the tools required for success. I'd rather take control of my child's education and have the peace of mind that comes in knowing that I did my very best. It is a rare few who are able to navigate the school system as freethinkers. Taking the beneficial part of institutional education and resisting the brainwashing, all the while managing to stay under the radar is a challenge I know my family is not up for. We would definitely need a few lessons in holding back our authenticity first.