Ruminer, Kelsey: Paglia

In “Revalorizing The Trades”, Camille Paglia, discusses her views on two categories of jobs. On one side, there are the artists, such as “ceramicists, weavers, woodworkers, metal smiths, and [musicians],” and on the other, the doctors, lawyers, and business executives. Due to the changing attitudes and trends towards careers by the upcoming generation, a stark contrast between trade schools to elite schools is growing in terms of environment and the population.

In Paglia’s view, there is a distinguishable difference between the environments of the two types of schools. Elite schools measure progress through grades. This often places a large amount of pressure on their students and must work through mountains of homework and tests. Elite schools, “[predicate] on molding students into mirror images of their professors.” Eventually, individuality begins to fade. This causes many students to stress out and create a more uptight environment than necessary.  In contrast, trade schools base progress on individual work that cannot really be defined in the form of a grade. In addition, individuality is important for an artist. Thus, the students in trade school tend to have a more “Zen-like engagement with the physical world” and therefore create a calmer environment in their schools.

In today’s world and economy there is not a great need for “ceramicists, weavers, woodworkers, metal smiths, and [musicians].” There are many people who have graduated from trade schools who make a very decent living, but most fail or make little money in these professions due to several trends in the world. For example, due to advancements in technology and the invention of the assembly lines and machines, guns and clothing are produced at a faster and cheaper rate. Therefore, the demand for people who specialize in ceramic, woven, wood, and metal products has declined immensely. Competition in the market also plays a large role in need for “ceramicists, weavers, woodworkers, metal smiths, and [musicians].” People want the best products that appeal to the consumer’s standard in quality and popular trend. As a result, many artisans fail to meet those standards and are weeded out in the process. Thus, many people strive for admissions to elite schools in hopes of finding a well-paid career following graduation.

Although I like to believe that I will be happy in whatever profession I choose, it is probably unlikely because work in general isn’t very fun. I would be happy, however, being able to provide for myself and my family, and to have the necessary things to survive without being in debt. I honestly agree with most of what she’s saying, but her paper was very negative about the prospects of students who attend regular colleges and four-year universities. I agree that most people go straight into four year institutions instead of trade schools, but vocational trade schools are not for everyone either. She also seemed to say that if you weren’t working with your hands or with art or music then you couldn’t be happy. I agree that doing something you love as a profession will make you happy, but often it is hard to find a decent paying job in those professions.