Michael, As a parent who has chosen to homeschool our children, I sympathize with some of these sentiments. As a public school teacher, I feel shame in hearing these kinds of stories. School should not be a place of abuse, physical or otherwise. That said, I have to acknowledge the many privileges that make my choice of homeschooling even possible. I can’t say exactly what your situation was, but I can say that many people don’t have as much of a choice when it comes to to school or not to school. As I mentioned in my article, TEDTalks and YouTube videos criticizing schooling in favor of learning, harping on the hackneyed (and false) history of the factory model of schools, etc. seem to receive unqualified applause and acclaim. Realizing that different people come to this critique from vastly different angles, I can’t help but detect a distinctly privileged position, one that belies the significant advantages and safety nets necessary to seek one’s educational fortunes elsewhere. I do think our society has an obligation to provide public education and to make that option as just, humane, and affirming as possible. I find that too often the discourse of “learning over schooling” diverts money, time, and attention away from this more critical conversation. The Roger Waters, Alice Coopers, and Steve Jobs of the world are gonna be just fine.