Nash, Brandy: Paglia

Work Force

In today’s society, students are being forced into ‘paper-pushing’ jobs. Intentionally or unintentionally, society has forced America’s students into certain jobs within the work force. The arts are being overlooked by today’s society because in the job market they have a low income. A job that would fit a student perfectly is overlooked for a job that is less fitting. Camille Paglia illustrated her view on students being forced into particular jobs in her article, “Revalorizing the Trades.”

            

When students research possible careers, one of the main things they look at are the income estimates for those careers. In today’s society, the arts pay much less than do other jobs. Therefore, students would be more likely to choose a job in another better paying field. Ms. Paglia may not have meant that as a main point in her article; however, it was conveyed. Jobs in law, medicine, and business have increased as have the college programs leading to those careers because students want to make a living, even if the job does not completely suit them.

            

‘Paper-pushing’ jobs are the norm in America at the moment. Why? Students are not forced to choose ‘paper-pushing’ jobs, but they are heavily influenced by a factor other than potential income. That other factor is image. People who enter into careers centered on the arts are not socially esteemed. Most people view them as hippies on street corners. That is not the model of the arts anymore. Graphic designers, photographers, and other artists are very highly regarded in our world. However, when discussing the arts most people envision a painter struggling for money and living in a garret; that is simply not the case in today’s society. Society in America has evolved so much over the years that degrees in the arts are rarely pursued, but they are widely needed. The United States needs qualified students for careers in advertising, photography, and graphic design. However, instead of pursuing the arts students are obtaining degrees that will jump start careers in ‘paper-pushing’ jobs. Students do not want to risk a life of poverty, when a life of mediocrity is certain in today’s society.

           

Ms. Paglia simply stated that students are being forced into ‘paper-pushing’ jobs. Is she correct? She is neither right nor wrong. Students are being forced into those jobs in a way, but it is not necessarily by force. It is more through the influence of society and its valuing of certain “high” standards and income.