Education, at least what Jefferson thought was vital to America, is sacrificed to the corporate world, as tuition increases and the selling out of intellect (Cole). Public education and equal access for all are fundamental to American society. The country was built on the concept that citizens could make something of themselves and that birthright did not necessarily guarantee success (Cole). Furthermore, the media promotes the ideal that education is not necessary for success. This is a vision that is digested by much of society. Education is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, and most of the media, from which many people get their information and opinions, are tainted by the corporate influences that have led to the dumbing down of America. The devaluation of educational efforts is underway and in its place the influence of corporate media conglomerates and their new medium, reality television, has taken over, resulting in ignorant and poorly educated masses who are subsequently at risk of manipulation by elite oligarchs. Education in America has evolved, or better said devolved, into a system designed to make the rich richer and the poor poorer (Payne). It is designed to educate the elite and leave the rest to simple, mindless work. The media has contributed to making the ignorant satisfied with their place in society and entertaining them with nonsense. The idea that in America you get fame and fortune without a higher education is painted on the television screen, in the music industry, on billboards and in newspaper headlines. Few mega stars, pop moguls, television stars, lauded athletes or overnight millionaires have achieved a higher level of education...... middle of paper ......>.Lewin, Tamar. “Study Finds Public Discontent With Colleges.” February 17, 2010. The New York Times. Network. May 17, 2012. .Moody, Rick. “Frank Miller and the Rise of Cryptofascist Hollywood.” November 24, 2011. The Guardian. Network. May 15, 2012. Murrow, Edward R. “Chicago RNDA Convention.” October 15, 1958. Web. May 21, 2012. .Payne, Michael. "Corporatism's Plan to Humiliate America." May 17, 2012. OpEdNews. Network. May 17, 2012. "Who Owns CNN? Or MSNBC? Or ABC?" April 9, 2003. Indymedia.org. Network. May 17 2012. .