Ilocano wrote:
Perspective.
Nothing wrong with it. Hell, I value my arts and humanities courses as much as my math/science/engineering courses. But I can say that because I have a reasonable safety net. I can quit my job now and still provide significantly for my family. Others, not so much. Some struggle putting food on the table. Kids only full meal during the school lunch program.
Would Uzique think the same way if Dad didn't pay for a significant part of his budget. A home to go to if he can't pay rent. Not enough funds to party. The limited earnings typical literary scholars receive. Etc. Dad allows him to pursue whatever he wants knowing that if he fails, he has a good safety net.
Breaking this down to the topic I assume you would want gov. funding to be used for people with more urgent needs than this principle? In other words maximizing profits from the educational system.
Every parent who has money is going to be guilty on them wanting their kids to pursue any dreams/talents they have in life though. As long as there is a difference in income they'll always be ahead when it comes to providing for their families.
Turquoise wrote:
I don't. I believe taxpayers' money should be spent in practical pursuits and that practicality in and of itself should be promoted among youth. A career oriented populace is a better paid and better living populace. Idealism is for the privileged.
Idealism is what keeps a society moving forward, not simply a concept reserved for privileged people. Anyhow, if the system would be able to support itself why not allow for these things? We're not exactly living in tough times here if we compare ourselves to any other parts of the world.
Turquoise wrote:
I would argue what most interests students is largely affected by what media glamorizes. There were far fewer students interested in forensics before CSI came out. All you really have to do is culturally emphasize roles that society needs, and the interest comes afterwards.
That being said, what the public tends to favor is somewhat arbitrary and open to manipulation.
That's very true, yes. I think you'll have a hard time glamorizing something like maths though
.
Last edited by dayarath (2010-12-15 14:41:29)