I’ve written an article before entitled "13 Things I’m Tired of Hearing as an English Major" in which I revealed what statements bothered me most in my frilly pursuits of writing poems and reaching my end goal of one day reincarnating John Milton. What I failed to mention, however, is that I am also majoring in communications, which provides even more opportunities to be bothered by people’s comments. Communications majors tend to be stereotyped as "lazy," "napping," or "always communicating," and it hurts.
Here are some of my least favorite things to hear when I tell people I’m in communications.
1. "What sorority are you in?"
It’s always frustrating when I’m talking to someone about my major, and they immediately ask me what sorority I’m in, just because I major in communications. It’s an insensitive question. Be considerate and realize that sometimes people rush sororities and none of the sororities accept them. And realize that you may be talking to one of them. And realize that it’s me, I’m that person that didn’t get into the sororities.
2. "How has social media changed the way we perceive ourselves, our relationships and our society?"
While I’ll admit most of the people who ask me this question are my professors, it’s getting a little old, you know? Yes, I’m a comm major, but that doesn’t mean I can only talk about social media or communications-related things. I don’t care if you’re my professor. For example, I watched the first half of “Pulp Fiction” last night. But you didn’t know that about me. You never ask.
3. "So what are you planning on doing with a communications degree?"
This one is just a little too personal. I don’t ask you about your medical history or sex life, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to burrow your way into the little details of my life like what I’m going to do with my communications degree.
4. "So, what kind of jobs are out there for someone with a communications degree?"
Back up a bit, hermano. You may think it’s appropriate to walk around, asking random people these next-level intellectual questions, but it’s a little off-putting when we’re having a nice, polite conversation and you ask me this question no one could ever have the answer to.
5. "What is the communications major?"
Who do you think you are? Going up to me, asking questions you shouldn’t be asking. You need to watch yourself, ok, cause one day a question like this is gonna get you a nice ol’ black eye in the morning.
6. "What made you want to choose to be a communications major?"
Some people just have no boundaries. Let me tell you; the communications major is just thrust on you. One day you wake up and it’s just there, a part of your life. You sort of have to look at yourself in the mirror that morning and tell yourself, “I’m a communications major, and that is going to be something I will have to deal with now.” It’s not chosen.
7. "You’re a communications major."
Look, I GET IT.
8. "I'm just curious, what do you intend on doing after you graduate?"
So many times I’ve heard this. And so many times I’ve wanted to say, “I’m just curious, what do you intend on doing after I tie your nose into a pretzel knot and sell it in front of Gap in the middle of a mall to a fifth grader for $5?” Like what? Why would you ask someone that just because they’re a comm major?
9. "I really wish you’d stop yelling at me for asking what I believe to be pretty innocent questions."
I get it. Keep bringing on those stereotypes. I’m an angry jerk just because I’m a communications major. I bet you wouldn’t say that to a precious econ or psychobiology major.
10. "That’s not it at all, I just feel a little victimized by your ang... please put the knife down, or I’ll call the cops."
If I had a DIME for every time I’ve heard this one, I would have enough money to pay Warren Buffett to lay on the ground as I perform an originally-choreographed Irish step dance on his spine while Emily Ratajkowski throws handcrafted diamonds at my feet. So just because I’m a communications major, I can’t properly wield a knife?
11. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."
I just know every communications major is tired of hearing this one over and over again.
