If you're like me and you have decided to go to college in pursuit of a major in the liberal arts range, like the arts and humanities, then you have undoubtedly faced judgment for your decision.
After telling someone my major, it is always one of the three common responses: the "yikes" look, the pitiful and falsely reassuring response, or the dejected "me too" response. Our society, with the increasing dominance of technology, has been conditioned to look down upon liberal arts majors in comparison to, say, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) students.
It's hard to remain positive and determined in the face of such criticism. I often find myself agreeing with people, or even disclaiming before I reveal my major, saying, "Liberal arts. No money, I know." I contemplate abandoning my passion for something more realistic. I, like so many others, fall prey to toxic societal influence.
This idea, however, that students of STEM are superior and realistic, with an unquestionable probability for success, is not necessarily valid. The reality is that so many of these liberal arts majors are the basis for our society. Where would we be without history or English? What about philosophy and political science? Economics and sociology? Even fine arts and theater, the things that make our world full of art? What would happen if everyone with a passion for these subjects obliged to the societal 'norm' that you shouldn't go to college for liberal arts and instead major in something "realistic"?
Let's actually be realistic here: to thrive as a society, we need both liberal arts and the sciences. We even need liberal arts majors in the sciences, and vice versa.
"Seeing STEM as threatening to the liberal arts is false; they are two important forms of education that complement each other..." Alison Byerly, president of liberal arts school Lafayette College, said. "The emerging and new emphasis on science and engineering is valid, but you still need liberal arts thinkers applied in other fields."
The idea that liberal arts majors are being set up for failure is also just plainly incorrect. According to a new study, this idea is extremely misleading, stating that "those who take the arts and humanities in addition to their main field of study are 31-72% more likely than others to have higher-level positions and earn more than $100,000." Another recent report states that the everchanging economy has created a greater need for liberal arts skills and that now employers are seeking out those with said capabilities.
Pursuing this further, what constitutes "success?" If STEM is your absolute passion, then by all means, go for it! But too often, as a college student myself, I encounter people who reveal their major begrudgingly, adding, "But I'll make money, I guess," or "My parents told me to." Is this what we, as a society, are OK with labeling as success? A lifetime worth of going to a job, every day, that one doesn't even like?
If you're a STEM major, or something related, refrain from judging others. Liberal arts majors can have just as much success as one of you. Live your life and let others live theirs.
And if you're a liberal arts major, keep going. Follow your passion and continue to work hard, because other people's opinions aren't what determines your value or success.
