I'm reminded that my brief interactions with institutionalised schooling were dominated by being bullied/ostracised for being interested in or caring about stuff. At the time, I interpreted that as ignorance, and while it was unpleasant, I was pretty insulated against it It was so normalised though that I have to imagine that it planted seeds for many, who'd grow up to feel uncomfortable being open about their cares/passions. It's hard to not draw a line between that and some societal problems