Major-shaming is something that happens to college students everywhere in today’s society. I, for one, know that I have been major-shamed plenty of times. For those of you who don’t know or have never experienced “Major-Shaming," essentially it is making someone feel like their major has no point, no depth and will provide them with no future. In my case specifically, I actually had someone sarcastically wish me “good luck” when I told them that I was a journalism major, which falls under the school of communication.
“Communications” or as some (ridiculous) people would call it “is an easy way out." The stereotype that communications majors receive is one that is so unfair and given out by people who are entirely uninformed as to the limitless possibilities that being a communications major provides you with.
Just at the surface communications covers journalism, public relations, radio, television, film and that’s not even half of it. With just the five different kinds of communication majors listed, you have to start to realize how many opportunities just these few provide. I have so many talented friends who are involved in at least one if not all of these aspects of communications, who are so insanely talented and without a doubt are going to be successful. Successful with a communications degree, who knew?!
Major-shaming has become so prevalent in today’s society. Seemingly regardless of one's major, someone always has something negative to say. If I’m happy with what I chose to do, then what’s the problem? It is so hard to understand why people go out of their way to make you feel like you are uneducated or lazy based on your major. There is not a single major out there that could be classified as “pointless.” There is a place for everyone, and if everyone is being shamed out of his or her majors, there are going to be a ton of jobs that need filling.
To those who have been major-shamed before, use it to your advantage. Show them what you are made of and make it big. Be a huge success, you have an insane amount of opportunities to do so. Network, word hard, be passionate and do what you love. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You are meant to do what you love to do. While it took time for me to understand that there is nothing that I would rather be majoring in, don’t let the major-shaming influence you to choose otherwise. Don’t settle, be brave, stick up for yourself, and keep walking into your classes with pride and ready to learn. There is so much to learn.
To those who have major-shamed before, stop wasting your breath. What I chose to do with my life has absolutely nothing to do with yours. I love my major, and that’s that.
And to the guy that sarcastically wished me “good luck” upon gaining knowledge of my major, thanks, but no thanks.
