Ah, the controversial, sometimes irrational and extremely complicated world of politics.
In modern day society, it's hard to categorize ourselves as strictly Republican or Democrat. Nowadays, and especially among the rapidly-evolving millennial generation, we see many more individuals identifying as liberal Republicans, conservative Democrats, or even nothing at all.
In addition to straying from traditional political perspectives, society now has a growing number of communities who would rather focus on moving toward change for the people rather than a change in leadership. For example, feminists are fighting inequality among the sexes and have become much more predominant over the last decade than in any other time period before. People are beginning to advocate for the abolishment of societal roles among men, women, children and the races. Higher education is beginning to diminish as a norm among millennials because new methods of success are booming and technological advances are at an all-time high.
What has yet to change the world of politics is what seems to be an incessant need to use negativity as a tactic for victory. Every time we turn on a debate or read a new article about someone in politics and their "thoughts" on a particular subject, what we really get is not a personal opinion, but a thought supported by slander toward some other politician or the even the people themselves.
According to an article by the Washington Examiner, Republican presidential candidate for the 2016 election, Jeb Bush, recently stated the following in a town hall meeting:
"Universities ought to have skin in the game. When a student shows up, they ought to say 'Hey, that psych major deal, that philosophy major thing, that's great, it's important to have liberal arts … but realize, you're going to be working a Chick-fil-A.'"
Wow. I can't seem to decide which part of this statement is the most offensive.
Let's begin with Chick-fil-A, shall we?
The last time I checked, the Chick-fil-A franchise was one of the only ones to close on Sundays, giving employees a day on the weekend with their families, and upholding the Christian morals of its founder.
Chick-fil-A is one of the only fast food restaurants to employ beginning at the age of 14. Albeit, theirs are limited hours, but they do allow for younger teens to gain experience in a customer service setting early on so they have better chances of either moving up or pursuing something else as soon as they turn 16.
Lastly, Chick-fil-A is a Grade A franchise that prides itself on being one of the healthiest fast food options out there. They invented the fast food chicken sandwich! Quite frankly, I see nothing wrong with people working in an environment that, in my experience, has some of the most excellent customer service, cleanliness, and overall genuine happiness I've ever seen.
Now, what about that part about psychology and philosophy majors?
Did he mean the deep thinkers? How about the scientists of the mind and society? Or maybe he meant to call us innovators, analysts, or maybe even the future of mental health and understanding why people think and behave the way they do.
Firstly, I'd like to point out that the people declaring psychology or philosophy majors are young adults, usually at about 18 or 19 years of age, maybe even a bit older. Not only that but when these young adults and/or their parents are paying tens of thousands of dollars a semester for tuition, wouldn't you think that universities shouldn't have the right to dictate what they choose to do with what they pay for? At what point did you stop wanting people to tell you what to do with your life?
As a psychology major enrolled in a number of philosophy courses, I've come to the realization that the best way to understand the thoughts of this politician is to possibly attack them the same way I would for any individual I, as a psychology major, would want to understand. Here's what I've gathered as the psychology of why Jeb Bush should not win the 2016 election.
What is important to first tackle is why one might think that the social sciences are useless or low-paying fields to be in. Psychology and philosophy are, yes, majors that should be pursued with even higher levels of education to be more respected in the workplace. However, one might argue that there are a number of fields that require higher education to achieve higher positions and salaries.
While psychology is one of the most predominant majors in the nation, this doesn't necessarily mean that there are no jobs. Psychology is so much more than therapy. Research, private practice, psychoanalysis, experimentation, human resources, journalism, mission work, education, and rehabilitation are only a few of unlimited options for psychology and philosophy majors.
Not everyone wants to run for president.
In his defense, I do agree with Jeb Bush's comment about there being a shortage of technicians, plumbers, teachers, and more. What I don't agree with is that this is the fault of professionals in the social sciences and humanities fields.
Quite frankly, putting the blame on the very people he hopes to one day represent is extremely counterproductive and in most ways, very hypocritical.
Anyone who cannot respect the individual goals and dreams set forth by the growing population of Millennials who are the essentially the future of this nation does not need to be in a position of leadership over these people.
Current and past psychology majors have taken to the Internet and posted pictures with the hashtag #ThisPsychMajor with captions that showcase the good that comes from innovative thinkers and workers in the field of psychology. These are individuals who dedicate their lives to influence others, to learn and teach, to further knowledge about the brain and body, to help people overcome things they wouldn't normally be able to on their own, and to curing mental illness. Psychology majors are the thinkers, the doctors, the therapists, the scientists of the mind.
Maybe Jeb Bush should keep these analytical qualities in mind when trying to appeal to a younger demographic of voters who, sorry to burst the bubble, include a lot of now angry and insulted Psych majors.
Excuse me while I internally diagnose yet another politician with a severe inferiority complex.
