28 Mar Separation of Degrees

Last week I went to a show, and there was a popular musician (that I hadn’t listened to) co-headlining. As he was setting up I realized I didn’t know much about him, so I did a quick google. I find out that he studied musical composition at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Upon reading this, I thought to myself: “gee this guy is gonna be incredible.”

…..Then he started playing.

It was the same ole – same ole’ bro anthem I’ve heard before. Something that could be heard at an open-mic night at a dorm. Again a belief of mine was reinforced.

Don’t be intimidated by a college degree.

Really, college is just like high school. The professors are just trying to get a paycheck. The students are trying to get a grade, to get a diploma, to get a job,  to eventually get a paycheck. No one really cares about learning, it’s merely a transaction of business, and both parties are lobbying apathetically. Students still cheat and cram, and teachers still show movies in class and present half-witted lesson plans. If real learning ever does happen on college campuses, a miracle has been performed, and further yet, if something is learned that applies to real life then, truly, the impossible has happened.

Of course I’m being harsh and discounting multitudes of situations where earnest professors sow seeds of knowledge in fertile minds.  This outcome is NOT fixed however, and if you’ve been to college you’ll agree in saying that it is rare.

It’s not that going to college is wrong or useless, (especially in certain degrees where tangible and profitable skills are acquired ). I write this post to discredit the modern graduate’s bullying tactic of wielding his “degree” as some sort of weapon against his enemies.

There is only one kind of education I fear in my enemy: experience.

I myself have a college degree, but everything I’ve learned came from getting my hands dirty, and so, I don’t care where you studied. If you’re a virgin to grit, we giggle at you and your academia.

To the bullied:

Does someone have more (or “higher quality”) schooling than you? Who cares. You are absolutely NOT out of the game, and you certainly can learn what they’ve learned (or even more) on your own.

Additionally, if you are on the other side of the token, and you are in a position to consider people’s backgrounds. Don’t be swooned by an impressive degree or resumé. Can the person actually provide a lick of hard work?

Everything is a scam, and a college degree is too.

Elbow grease, eternally.

Now the enemy quivers, for the weird guy speaks out.

-MM