In today’s culture and educational system, STEM curricula are being pushed onto young children and college students alike. The job market emphasizes the value of medicine, science, and technology in the age of infinite advancement. But are STEM jobs the only careers of value? What is going to come from a world that does not appreciate the excavators of self-expression, peace, unity, and groundbreaking ideas?
I have never been the creative type. Math and academic writing are what come naturally. I can't draw or paint, I am completely tone deaf, and scared to death of creative writing. However, I have always admired those who can.
Because of this admiration, I push my creative juices as far as possible in order to try and foster those abilities. It is enjoyable, but forced. When somebody naturally has the power to move people and make the world a more beautiful place, they are a force to be reckoned with.
To me, the creative types are the ones who should be revered in today's orderly, Type A world. If you can think outside the box and create something out of nothing is amazing. Those people have no limits. The universe is their oyster. They have the ability to change countries, start wars, bring peace, all from the original ideas that they present to the world.
To the general public, the arts are undervalued. We live in a world where it is common to believe that everything should be moving forward or becoming bigger or more "advanced." I think this is because scientists and doctors contribute to the greater good in such concrete, and obvious ways. Doctors heal diseases. Scientists create gadgets or discover things that makes our lives easier.
What the population needs to remember is that the artists of the world do contribute to the greater good. When a person is moved emotionally by a play, opera piece, or even a photograph, this can change the way that we think. They also have the power to change the world. Music and media have brought about peace to the world during times of war and conflict. Ever heard of The Beatles?
Art moves people. Art sends messages and ideas to the public. It breaks up our day-to-day lives into something that challenges our everyday perceptions and ideas. New ideas change people and become the topics of conversations around the world. Art has the power to change how we interact and how we see others. Music and media has brought about peace to the world during times of war and conflict. Ever heard of The Beatles?
I'm not trying to say that we shouldn't be fostering the next generation of doctors and researchers, but our education seems to discourage artistic interests. Why should we inhibit those who are blessed with creative minds and have the ability to bring beauty into our world?
Every thought-out and positive contribution to the greater world should be of value, no matter the discipline. More than that, passion should be of value. Whether you see a fire burning in someone's eyes for the next greatest technology in prosthetic limbs or for the choreography in Beyoncé's new music video, excitement for something new should not be shut down. Ever.
Encourage the people around you. If somebody has a passion, they shouldn't be discouraged -- no matter what that passion is. Why should children be forced into a field where their abilities are being underutilized? The key to a beneficial society is creating an environment where every member's strengths are sought out and used to benefit the greater good.
