Even if a person has/learns/develops critical thinking, it will still be influenced by the cognitive style that they learned and was ingrained by the time they reach early adulthood. They're critical thinking will be biased by this. But, still, it is better to learn these "common sense" skills than not. And, a group of critical thinkers should be able to counter balance each other, just like the three branches of government do, LOL.
On the other hand, we are talking about a new generation that idolizes things like Duck Dynasty, Justin Beiber, and a nude Hanna Montana riding a wrecking ball.