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December 2019

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Himanshi: Are Humanities Students Treated Differently?

    • Himanshi Dhawan,
    • Standard: XII-B,
    • Saffron Public School,
    • Faridabad.

    • Publish Date: Apr 16 2017 7:18PM
      • |
    • Updated Date: Apr 20 2017 5:05PM
Himanshi: Are Humanities Students Treated Differently?

I am a humanities student and the answer disappoints me! “You are such a bright student then why are you taking Humanities?” “You know, there is no scope in Arts.” “Science is meant for bright students like you who get 10 CGPA.” And this one is the most popular: “Itne ache number lane par agar arts loge toh log kya kahenge” These are not famous quotes from the yellow pages of wise philosophers, but very profoundly quoted by those who claim to be so.

If the student is bright, he/she must study science. If the student is weak, humanities would serve them best. If the bright student is a girl, she will have to deal with biology and if that bright student happens to be the boy, he cannot insult his intelligence by taking up anything besides technology and engineering. These are not my words, but the common understanding of the society in general or rather should I say, the stereotypes attached with the division of subjects where: The interest of student – does not matter. The ambition of student – has to be monetary profits.

The aptitude required for a particular subject – is all about higher marks. In India, it’s a common belief that pursuing humanities limits the careers options and is not beneficial monetarily. And if this is true in the current scenario, why should they pursue a passion for classics even if it might not guarantee returns in the job market? After all, one does not want to be doing what they love and be homeless. India has numerous languages, a rich historical, ethnic and cultural background and so can offer a number of course in humanities to Indian as well as foreign students. But this is not happening as the subject is not being encouraged the way it needs to be. Every day we come to know about the new IITs, IIMs and AIIMSs being founded but how many of us actually know about the best humanities institutes in India.

It seems even the government is oblivious to the importance of studying humanities and so promotes only Science and technology related subjects. Through exploration of the humanities, we learn how to think creatively and critically, to reason, and to ask questions. In science, mathematics and engineering classes, one is given facts, answers, knowledge, and truth. The professors say, “This is how things are.” They give you certainty. The humanities give you uncertainty, doubt and skepticism. The humanities are subversive. They undermine and question the claims of all authorities, whether political, religious or scientific. They do not just correct your wrong pair of glasses via which you look at the world but also provide you multiple lenses with multiple perceptions. Humanities make you question absolutely anything, even science. Here, I am not making a point that Science is anywhere less important or humanities are more constructive. But I am arguing against the mindset that categorizes Humanities (or any subject for that matter) as ‘easy’.

The problem lies in the way we view education. We do not perceive subjects as something worth to learn from but rather see it as stock market where we invest our credentials to get the profits. But I am not hoping so and neither want Humanities to be honored with superiority (that would be flawed again) but all the subjects to be respected for what they have to offer and honor the education altogether.

Your take? Tell us in the comments below...

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Comments

Ayushi Pandey LILAVATI BAI PODAR (A)-SCRUZ

This is a preconceived notion of most Indians. Their opinionatedness hinders students from selecting what they like best. Humanities, according to me, is a very interesting subject and very beneficial at the same time. I am more inclined towards arts. All subjects must be treated as equal. Taking science doesn''t make a student wiser or more prudent. Yes, the government too uplifts the morale of a science or tech student. But why must arts be neglected in the way it is?

Aditya Gulati MCL SARSWATI BAL MANDIR SCHOOL

I am happy that this thing is not happen in my school.I am a bright student and I also decided to take humanities to build my career in civil services and for this my school teachers encourage me a lot.I request you all (who lives in Delhi) to visit my school and see my teachers.I think that the humanities department of my school is best.

Aditya Mittal KHAITAN PUBLIC SCHOOL(NOIDA SEC_40)

I think that humanities is not a bad subject and it is not a subject for which we should be ashamed off because humanities is not easy , it is like other subjects like commerce and science . As we should follow our dreams and chose the stream which is required to fulfil your dreams .

samruddhi lonikar D.A.V Public School, Thane

Humanities is not something to feel low about. It is just our mindset that going for an occupation other than a doctor or a lawyer is not worth.I think taking up arts is like educating yourself but not for a profession.It is also important to learn about our culture,heritages. Humanities,even as a hobby, generates a feeling of creativity. Conclusively, a career in arts should also receive as much as respect and acceptance as any other.

shubha tanaya Delhi School of Excellence Attapur

As a subject humanity is very interesting and useful at the same time.It is the desire of every Tom and Jack wants to be either a doctor or a engineer.So according to me extraordinary student can only take up subjects like humanity.World is changing and surely we will reach a time when all the subjects are given equal preference, but this could only happen when career in all these subjects are successful.

Aikya Oruganti Epistemo Global - Vikas Leadership School

Its not that its bad.It simply depends on your interest . For me,it makes a unique subject . The one who take it are social,helpful,friendly and responsible.

ayushi AKSIPS 45,Smart School

i strongly believe that these are just boundaries...and i will also take humanities because it hardly matter what those two or three think about you its about how much u admire to become something!

Haya Naved FATHER AGNEL SCHOOL(GAUTAM NAGAR)

I am extremely glad that somebody took up this issue. I too want to persue humanities next year and after constant efforts I have been able to convince my parents about this. My parents always wanted me to take science but I was always keen to persue humanities, so they have agreed. But relatives and family friends give the wierdest of expressions when told that I would persue humanities. So now I have closed my ears and decided to persue what I want to and follow my heart.

Emima Thangapandi PADUA HIGH SCHOOL-MANKHURD

This is just the thinking of the society.I think the next generation will not have this mind set because there are chances that the coming generation will break this.

anuneet kaur CARMEL CONVENT SCH SEC 9 CHD

humanities students are treated differently as itas a kind of streotype that taking humanities is a easy or a cakewalk but who would tell them that it aint easy too. As there is alot of compotition among the students and they have to study harder and harder. Its awful to know after that too sometimes they are disrespected

anuneet kaur CARMEL CONVENT SCH SEC 9 CHD

humanities students are treated differently as itas a kind of streotype that taking humanities is a easy or a cakewalk but who would tell them that it aint easy too. As there is alot of compotition among the students and they have to study harder and harder. Its awful to know after that too sometimes they are disrespected

Himanshi Dhawan Saffron Public School

Thanks a lot guys for your responses to my article! Your responses boosted my confidence.

Riddhi Chatterji Delhi Public School Jankipuram

Students should be given the liberty to opt for a stream/career of their choice. It''s nothing like there is no career in humanities or brilliant students should opt for science.

Anika Singh Bhati DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL GURGAON SEC45 D

Yes, especially boys who choose humanities. Boys are often forced to take science or Commerce as parents think that humanities has no scope and is pursued by students who are not interested in studies.

Manasi Prabhakaran Veda Vyasa DAV public school

true stuff.Such notions about humanities deter students from taking up humanities.

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