Not Thriving: Assimilation Academy

This trope was launched about 1 1/2years ago, and yet can't seem to pick up anywhere near decent wickage. Currently it has 21 wicks to it a 8 inbounds (from Jan 1, 2011). Something is off with this trope.

The description is remarkably vague. I get that it's supposed to be different from Sucky School, but I'm not entirely sure how. Reading the also-somewhat-obscure Tall Poppy Syndrome gives me some hints, but I'm still not entirely sure. Is the point that the kids are forced to try to fit in and lose their individuality? That's a guess based on the name, and fits with the reference to TPS—but the description sure doesn't say so.

I shouldn't have to read a related trope and still not be sure what the trope is.

It looks like it's for portrayals of schools as places where children are stripped of individuality, creativity, and any capacity to think for themselves, to fit a bland mould determined by the school authorities. In other words, brainwashed.

It's a common belief among schoolchildren, and I'd imagine a common belief among former schoolchildren who've grown up to become authors. It's salvageable, but a few things could be addressed:

• New title. 'Assimilation' doesn't indicate brainwashing or enforced conformity.
• Explanation of what it is. Specifically, it's where a character decides that their school is actively trying to suppress them in some way and make them fit a mould, or where the school is obviously portrayed as doing so.
• A few examples of 'suppressive' things schools do in these stories. Making children wear uniforms, encouraging them to draw a certain way, pushing certain beliefs on them, that kind of thing.

edited 6th May '12 6:58:43 AM by abloke

Ouch. The trope description is shorter than the page quote. This needs major expansion.

I think I've heard this called concept called indoctrination in academic circles.

I don't think 'indoctrination' would mean any more to the layperson than 'assimilation'.

It needs a title that explains what it's for.

I thought both 'assimilation' and 'indoctrination' were common english words.

Neither of them adequately explains the concept. Most people aren't going to look at either of them and realise it's about suppression of individuality and creativity, even if a few people use them to mean that.

I think when people see "Assimilation Academy" they think of a school that indoctrinates students into one particular mindset, and relies heavily on propaganda. It's usually set in a Crapsack World. This could be Type 1, like the Harry Potter example I added.

It seems this trope was intended for schools that simply do their best to squash any sort of individuality or creativity, while such things would be fine outside of school. The overall culture isn't necessarily portrayed negatively, but the school is. That could be type 2.

It's salvageable, but it's possibly going to need a name change and a better description. I tried, but I'm not sure how well it worked. An Assimilation Academy isn't just your typical run-of-the-mill Sucky School.

Clocking due to lack of activity.

Clock has expired. Locking.