In 2016, Donald Trump said, "I love the poorly educated." This comment was made in a victory speech after winning the Nevada caucus. Since then, parts of this phrase have been echoed by many. Both conservatives and liberals. Used by both sides as the reason the world is in the state it is today. They could have said "the uninformed" or "political ignorants," but they didn't. The words were carefully chosen. And it irritates me...a lot!
The View host, Sunny Hostin, has several times blamed "the uneducated" for policies put in place by elected officials who support Trump. As if those who, for whatever reason, didn't continue their education in a university or college, were somehow less informed than their degree-wielding counterparts. While that may be true for some people, it certainly isn't for most. And I've met many Master's Degree and PHD holders whose political leanings do more harm than good.
Remember during COVID lockdowns, how we wouldn't have survived without grocery workers, the truck drivers, and warehouse workers. Or had anything to eat without the farmers and fishermen. Janitors in hospitals and schools keeping the germs at bay. We were so appreciative and swore we would never again look down on their contributions to society. That didn't last long.
There are a few insurance companies that advertise better rates for university graduates. Obviously, they believe that makes you a better driver...not quite sure what one has to do with the other, but ok. Some optical stores, barbershops, and many beauty stores give discounts. You can even get a discount on LASIK eye surgery... wth?
Does a piece of parchment with fancy writing guarantee success? Don't tell that to Rihanna, Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Lawrence, and Whoopi Goldberg. All extremely successful in their chosen fields, not a diploma of any kind amongst them. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Sidney Crosby never stepped foot in a lecture hall. Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Oprah, all billionaires, not one earned degree amongst them.
Even within the world of academics, there is status. Some degrees are worth more than others. Ask any engineer, and they will tell you theirs is much more prestigious than others and show you their ring, of course. Just a bachelor's degree? Be prepared to be looked down upon by those with Master's degrees. And PHD holders? Don't be surprised if they correct you all and want to be called doctor. Who is the "uneducated" now?
I guess it's all about the value we put on a piece of paper. I personally think we put too much emphasis on it. Not that people shouldn't go to university, more that those who don't shouldn't be thought of as lesser than. Or that someone who goes into the trades should not be looked at with disdain because they work with their hands and not their minds, because that is simply not true.
When it comes to politics, being "well educated" has absolutely nothing to do with a degree or diploma. It is all about information, circumstance, and need. Those change all the time for all of us. Read up on the news of the day from several different sources. Ask questions. Those leaflets your representatives, or wanna-be reps, put in your mailbox? Read them before you throw them in the recycle box. Make up your mind based on facts you have verified. You'll be better informed by the time you cast your ballot.
Stop trying to diminish people because they chose a different road than you. It makes you look...uneducated.
Ang
