It’s true that a large portion of the American people are incapable of working algebra problems because algebra requires “critical thinking,” which the schools all say they stress.
As we more rapidly circle the bowl all standards must be lowered. But let us be honest. “Minorities” do not have difficulty with Algebra. The very name come from a “minority” group. Are Asians a minority group? Do they have trouble with math? A large number for the computer wizards we see in TV dramas are black. How did they get there without math skills? OH, I may be confusing reality with fantasy. Apparently that is a common problem. Many PhDs are borderline illiterate. But most of their degrees are in education. Listen to the voice of Asia: Lee25 - “algebra is a workout on mind.” 30 million Chinese are studying classical piano. They will be strict masters.