Hi, it’s me Marilyn
Posted on | December 13, 2003 |
As I was perusing the Parade last weekend, I was surprised at some of the letters as well as the somewhat inadequate answers in the ‘Ask Marilyn’ column.
Question 1: Many of my friends and I are intelligent, liberal-arts graduates who, due to an economic system that glorifies science, medicine, business and law, are toiling as secretaries and retail clerks. Is there any hope for the philosopher, writer, dancer, poet or sculptor to find paying work in Western society? Or are we doomed to relegate our talents to hobbies while working in drudgery until we die, just to pay the bills? — Lisa
Marilyn’s answer: (Really long..here’s the gist.) Obviously, there’s work for the writer. One cannot declare oneself a philosopher, that’s an honor only others can bestow. Dancers can find work, but a liberal-arts education isn’t enough. Aspiring poets and sculptors must ask themselves: Why would people need to employ a poet or sculptor?
My answer: Don’t you know that a liberal-arts degree is a degree in poverty? Hmmm…why is medicine glorified by society? Maybe because it saves lives. It’s important to a society of consumers. I have never heard of an art piece saving lives. And next time, please don’t bother me with stupid questions.
Question 2: Why are college-age adults — arguably the adults least likely to fully understand world events–the ones most likely to be found at protests all over the world? — Chuck
Marilyn’s answer: They have the idealism, time and energy for this kind of activity, plus they’re still young enough to enjoy wearing backpacks, shouting and getting dusty.
My answer: *sigh* Are we back to this again? I must say that some of the people I know that are most in touch with world events are college-age students or recently-out-of-college-age students. College students are immersed in the study of economics, governments and civilizations, history, business, law, literature, and environmental studies on a daily basis. Many college students get the Wall Street Journal every day and voluntarily (or not) read Hayek, Rand, Sowell, and many others. I don’t know many adults that do this, unless they are a part of academia. Now tell me, why are we the ones least likely to understand world events?