I found this podcast from this 
post:
I subbed today for a 7th and 8th grade teacher. I’m not exaggerating when I say at least 50% of the students were at a 2nd grade reading level. The students were to spend the class time filling out an “all about me” worksheet, what’s your name, favorite color, favorite food etc. I was asked 20 times today “what is this word?”. Movie. Excited. Trait. “How do I spell race car driver?”
I've only listened to one episode so far, but it's really well produced, seems well-researched and very well put together.
From what I gather so far, the ways that the American public school system "teaches" kids how to read is not only completely wrong, but actually saddles them bad habits which fundamentally hinder their reading comprehension.
A huge swath of American adults are functionally illiterate, and I think I'm starting to understand why.
Well you are rigth, that phds generally live cushy lives. And those material conditions certainly play a role in them liking watever system they are in. Thats of course the main factor. Even if they are not capitalists. But i think some people are just more likley to follow authority. And i think having a phd hihghly correlates with that so i wanted to compliment your comment.
For example even the nyt opeds were selected to tat job because they were already brainwashed. Rather than the opossite.