We’ve all heard of “slut shaming,” where a woman is criticized based on her sexual activity, and “body shaming,” where some critique another’s physical appearance.
One thing that has recently caught my attention is “major shaming,” where you judge someone based on what degree they are working toward and criticize their plans for the future.
“What are you going to be able to do with that in life?” “How will you support yourself on that salary?” “There are no jobs in that field” are all comments I presume for this new category of criticism: “major shaming.”
I am 19 years old; I have not figured out my whole life yet. We live in a generation where there are countless options for us to choose from in terms of a degree. I have heard of the strangest combinations of majors and minors and other combinations that I have found to really complement one another—both perfectly acceptable— because, unlike previous generations, we don’t necessarily have to major in subjects that we dislike in order to find a stable career.
“I’m actually passionate about what I want to do,” said Tiffany Davis ’18, a psychology and international relations double-major with a neuroscience minor.
We are the generation that is versatile and gets to major in what we’re passionate about. We are the generation that will hold multiple jobs throughout our career path, making us more adaptable, creative, and well- rounded.
There is a reason why the courses and majors we have here at Lake Forest College are offered. They are not designed for us to fail; in fact, they are for us to find our niche in life and open us up to a world of possibility.
While I think it is fair to say that major-shaming does not happen too often on our campus, and the majority of Foresters have not experienced this, we must keep in mind, “that the thought process goes both ways: while you may not understand someone’s choice of major, chances are they do not understand yours as well,” said Johnny Losurdo ’18.
You may not even realize you’re judging someone when they tell you their major, but your facial expressions and comments could be offensive. “You’re an English major? Oh.” Quit talking about the stereotypes of unemployed English majors, tortured artists, and questionable communications majors, because these are prominent fields.
It goes the other way, too. We’ve all heard about the strenuous course load for science majors and ask, “Why do you do this to yourself?” Simple: that is their decision, don’t disrespect it.
You could do everything “right” with a traditional major and still be searching for work or waiting to be accepted into a graduate program. College is supposed to be the time where you are finding yourself and discovering what you want to do for the rest of your life. It’s hard to find a job no matter what field of study you are in; the competition is fierce.
Instead of attacking someone for following their dreams or what they believe to be their calling, think twice and remember it would feel terrible if you were on the receiving end.
“What do you plan to do with that?” is a completely fair question to ask if you are genuinely curious because you don’t know about the field of study, but do not ask this to make someone feel ashamed. Do what makes you happy and what makes you feel accomplished.
A version of this article appears in print on November 24, 2015, on page 8 of the Stentor with the headline: What are you going to do with that major?
