What’s wrong with this commercial?

I saw the following commercial yesterday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1UvQtQJC20. Take a look at it, and ask yourself, “What’s wrong with this commercial?” At first, you might not recognize anything as being “wrong” with it. Look again, and listen carefully.

In the commercial, the following statement is made: “The future of our nation and our children depends on math, science, and technology.” I completely agree with this statement, and this belief influences my teaching. So, what’s the problem?

Before I answer my question, take a look at another commercial by “Connect a Million Minds”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLejHiFzsEo. Now, isn’t that better!?! The same statement is made at the end of the commercial. So, why is this commercial so much better? When looking at this commercial, I get the feeling that math, science, and technology are for EVERYONE. When I look at the first commercial, I see the same old message: math, science, and technology are for geeks. This must change!

If the future of our nation depends on math, science, and technology, then EVERY member of our society should be encouraged and expected to increase literacy in math, science, and technology. This responsibility should not and cannot be shouldered by geeks alone.

I am hopeful for the day when it is just as alarming to hear, “I’m not good at math,” as it is to hear, “I’m not good at reading.”

Note: Because I think this issue is so important, I posted this blog on my Facebook page, too.