Yes, I Know Criminal Justice Isn't 'Like You See On TV,' Yes, I'm Still Majoring In It
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Yes, I Know Criminal Justice Isn't 'Like You See On TV,' Yes, I'm Still Majoring In It

TV shows were never part of my decision making when I decided to be a criminal justice major.

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Yes, I Know Criminal Justice Isn't 'Like You See On TV,' Yes, I'm Still Majoring In It
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As a high school senior, I am constantly asked what I will be majoring in when I go to college. Whenever this question comes up, I proudly respond that I will be a criminal justice major.

I am met with mixed responses, but the one thing I am sick of hearing is, "you know it's not like TV, right?"

Yes, I am well aware of that.

People often bring up shows like "Law & Order SVU" and explain to me that being a cop is not what Olivia Benson makes it look like. I'm often tempted to retort that there are more than just law enforcement careers available with a criminal justice degree.

And, moreover, while I do watch "SVU" now, I had no idea who Olivia Benson was when I decided I wanted to be a criminal justice major.

When people say they want to be doctors or nurses, they are mostly met with praise.

But why do we not point out that being a doctor or nurse is nothing like "Grey's Anatomy" or any of the other medical shows out there?

Obviously, those are great choices to make, and I'm not taking away from that, but why, if we feel the need to explain to criminal justice majors that it's nothing like TV, do we not do the same for nursing or pre-med majors?

See, it sounds absolutely ridiculous. Why would we tell a Nursing major that they'll probably hate it because it's nothing like "Grey's Anatomy?" But this is what we are telling criminal justice majors.

Sure, society definitely likes doctors and nurses more than those in the criminal justice field, which is a whole other problem in itself, but we shouldn't degrade anyone's decisions.

We shouldn't assume anyone chose their major because of popular TV shows, but if you do, do it for all that apply, not just one.

I understand the stigma that surrounds most jobs in the criminal justice field. I understand the difficulties of working in this field, especially now. I realize that a lot of people have no respect for this field, and maybe it's just something I'll have to get used to.

I didn't choose this field for praise, and I know not to expect it, but I do wish for a little respect when people find out what I am doing with my life instead of everyone jumping to conclusions and assuming the lowest of me.

As mentioned before, I didn't even watch crime shows when I decided to become a criminal justice major, yet, I am still met with people telling me it is nothing like television and I should rethink my decision.

Sorry, no.

My decision came from a passion for helping others, and a love for the law.

Instead of getting my information from crime shows, I read textbooks, watch lectures and court cases, take electives that suit my interests and read nonfiction books such as "Conviction" by Juan Martinez, or the book that really made up my mind, "Trafficked" by Sophie Hayes.

I say these things not to sound like a nerd or a try-hard, but to explain to the general public that yes, I am a criminal justice major, and no, it is not because of crime shows.

And, if you still don't believe me, I'll embarrass myself and admit that I used to think "SVU" was an abbreviation for a TV show named after a university, not part of "Law and Order."

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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