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"You don't know what is important." This is what Professor Hirsch is implying with his assumption that there should be a specific body of information that everyone should possess, "to be culturally literate". He assumes his social circles are the most important and anyone who doesn't communicate on his level is incapable of effective communication. Within the borders are a myriad of sub-cultures and social groups that have their own unique dialect, terms, and specific level of knowledge. People, current events, social change, geographical location and many other factors effect what is topical and relevant to a given group. To think there is a single, common core of information for effective communication with every person is as arrogant as it is naÐ"Їve.

Professor Hirsch would have us believe that he has the right to determine what his fellow American citizens should know to be effective communicators. What may be a good subject of conversation to an English Professor in Virginia is probably not the topic of choice to a rancher in Texarkana, TX. The importance of the subjects he values are shared by people he socializes with and therefore communicates with. I think he assumed that since he was such a great communicator within these social circles, the subjects important to him must be the common denominator for good communication.

Having spent 20 years in the United States Navy I have acquired knowledge and a vocabulary necessary for me to functional in a Navy environment. The knowledge bank and language of this sub-culture of modern America has evolved, from the influences of its members, to allow ease of communication within this unique group. The body of information that Professor Hirsch recommends probably does not include anything that would benefit an individual in the Navy. If there is one area of modern America where an individual must be fluent in the culture and language of their environment, it's the dangerous environment of the Navy.

As time progresses, items of interest emerge, as others become history. The reaction to the phrase "British invasion" would be different from a person in 1775 than that of a person in the 1960's. The same potential conflict