SFG75
Well-Known Member
Charles Murray of The Bell Curve fame has penned an editorial in the Wall Street Journal. Murray's assumption is that right now, at least in America, we have too many people attending college. We have those who are functionally incapable and who should not be there, as well as those who are qualified, but who do not desire to be there. This group would be rather large I believe, kids who are only there because its the logical "next step" in life's progression or through the sheer will of their parents.
Do we have too many people in college?
Why is vocational education looked down upon?
Should we sift more people into the working world?
I like this editorial in that Murray does present an interesting theory. He's one that I don't agree with most of the time, though I'm impressed with how he presents his material. People are not cut from the same mold, but I for one, terribly appreciated my general studies program. I don't care what one does for a living, there is something to be said about an education that helps one to gain a greater appreciation for the finer things in life. Before college, I had no desire to attend plays, music recitals, or anything else like that.
While Murray and othes of his ilk believe that vocational education is good, I'm of the opinion that he and others believe it is good for other people's children, not necessarily their own. Until Paris Hilton learns plumbing, or until Nicole Richie becomes a carpenter, I'll be inclined to believe that his vantage point is one of patronized adulation, rather than sincere reverence for an honest day's work. I have more than a few friends who prefer to work outside and for whom, an associates degree was just fine thank you. It has been my experience that very few people stop learning when they are young. I know of countless folks who have gone back to college to learn more. I don't believe that we should discourage that at all, it appears that Murray believes it should be.
Do we have too many people in college?
Why is vocational education looked down upon?
Should we sift more people into the working world?
I like this editorial in that Murray does present an interesting theory. He's one that I don't agree with most of the time, though I'm impressed with how he presents his material. People are not cut from the same mold, but I for one, terribly appreciated my general studies program. I don't care what one does for a living, there is something to be said about an education that helps one to gain a greater appreciation for the finer things in life. Before college, I had no desire to attend plays, music recitals, or anything else like that.
While Murray and othes of his ilk believe that vocational education is good, I'm of the opinion that he and others believe it is good for other people's children, not necessarily their own. Until Paris Hilton learns plumbing, or until Nicole Richie becomes a carpenter, I'll be inclined to believe that his vantage point is one of patronized adulation, rather than sincere reverence for an honest day's work. I have more than a few friends who prefer to work outside and for whom, an associates degree was just fine thank you. It has been my experience that very few people stop learning when they are young. I know of countless folks who have gone back to college to learn more. I don't believe that we should discourage that at all, it appears that Murray believes it should be.
