“What is your favourite subject?”
“English”
“What stream do you want to pursue in your higher studies?”
“Humanities”
“At first, I thought you to be a sensible and logical girl, but I end up concluding that you are not mature yet.”
“Humanities is for the dumb and shirkers who aren’t interested in studying further. Maybe you possess a low or average IQ and are not fit for Science.”
“You are academically bright. Why do you want to opt for Humanities?”
“Maybe your brain doesn’t permit for you to opt for Science (not capable enough). That’s why you want to go for Humanities.”
These are some great ironical statements quoted by a majority of people in our society whenever they come across a humanities student.
I am not sure whether it’s my brain that doesn’t permit me to opt for Science. But I am sure it’s my heart that doesn’t allow me to do so.
People have an expression of utter disappointment every time an academically bright student opts for humanities. They behave as if the student is going to live a life full of despair. The bias that only the numb and shirkers opt for humanities will never cease to exist until people realise that this stigma can destroy the hidden potential of a student. Students are discouraged whenever they publicly express their desire to opt for humanities.
One day, I was downright shocked by a reply given by one of my acquaintances on how capable one needs to be the Chief Justice of a nation. Without thinking twice, he imprudently replied that the Chief Justice isn’t expected to be capable enough since they don’t belong to the group of A-grade students. “A-grade students go in technical fields and C-grade students who failed to make their career in technical or medical fields opt for law,” they said.
I can’t wrap my head around the matter why people are so hesitant in acknowledging the potential of humanities students just because their thoughts and opinions are different from stereotyped thoughts present in the rest of society. It’s usually seen that most students from humanities background are analytical, philosophical and can think more independently than others.
Many of them are highly skilled at articulating their thoughts and are experts in communication skills. But just because they aren’t good enough or maybe interested enough in solving algebra and physics numerical, their talents and skills are not recognised. Nevertheless, students face harsh consequences of social hierarchy premised on their profession and educational backgrounds.
Just imagine how easier it would have been for students to reveal their desires freely had the world really emphasised on the word passion and understood its significance. Majority of the students who choose humanities are passionate about their subjects. Many of them are UPSC aspirants and had humanities been so easy, UPSC wouldn’t have been recognised as one of the toughest examinations in the world. Majority of the GS papers of UPSC-CSE are based on subjects taught to humanities students.
Many people also tell that humanities is all about cramming and based on rote learning. They don’t need conceptual clarity like a Science or Commerce student does. But this is nonsense.
I know some opinions against humanities such as career options being limited in humanities are true, but the world is changing. It’s said that many private companies nowadays are willing to hire employees from humanities background because of their communication skills and ability to socialise with others. Humanities students are also more aware of current affairs and social issues prevalent in the society.
I will like to conclude with the fact that humanities students are not less talented or inferior to students of Science or Commerce. Everything in the world is unique and we must learn to value each of their significance and relevance.
Thank you.