On my post about not understanding college students, there is some interesting discussion in the comments area. Ben said:
Why is this surprising to you? The nature of knowledge has changed drastically in the past 100 years, but society’s expectations have not. It used to be if you had a thirst for knowledge that went unmet in your home or your high school then if you had the means you went to college and LEARNED because it was the only place with books and professors who were expertly educated. Now you and I can go to any Barnes and Noble or any public library and learn anything we want to. Anything. A college education is virtually worthless but no one is willing to admit that because recognizing that would throw a wrench in too many people’s plans. People go to get their piece of paper to show how “smart” they got and leave. If you gave me four years, a library, an Encyclopedia, a Book store and the internet I guarantee you I could learn more than any pompous turd at any college in this country. It’s all about the resume now.
Gracey London responded:
I totally agree with Ben. Unless you’re going to a liberal arts university. In which case you’ll learn all about life and human beings, but probably end up flipping burgers at McDonalds after you graduate.
Is that what’s going to happen to me? Am I going to spend four years of my life getting a Bachelor’s degree, only to end up flipping burgers at McDonalds anyway? I have to admit, I know a few people that have done just that. Go to college, get great grades, get their degree… and they still can’t find a job. Are college degrees worth anything at this point?
Update: Apparently, I’m not the only one with this concern.
