Mike Rowe, host of "Dirty Jobs," shared his insights with Tucker Carlson, co-founder of the Daily Caller. In a recent interview, Rowe suggested Americans are rethinking the value of a college education. He noted that younger generations now place less importance on obtaining a degree, a shift both he and Carlson view positively.
Rowe and Carlson discussed the changing perceptions surrounding the necessity of a college diploma. Carlson pointed out that possessing a diploma doesn't necessarily indicate one is educated. Rowe highlighted the societal pressure to pursue higher education, likening it to a "collective illusion" fueled by conformity.
“If you look for it, you’ll see it everywhere. It’s mind-boggling,” Rowe explained to Carlson. “And this was kind of a wake-up call for me because for 15 years I’ve been talking about this deeply held belief.”
“The parents and guidance counselors are, truly believe that the best path for their kids, is this most expensive path,” Rowe continued. “But the latest research. When you really sit people down and take a deep, deep dive … Gen Z right now is ranking the importance of a college education out of 50 different things at 47.”
“That seems high,” Carlson responded.
“Well, it used to be three, right? But in the course of the last 5 or 6 years, like a lot of people, it made me wonder, has something shifted? It in that generation that I just haven’t seen, and I’m hopeful that it has,” Rowe said. “People are starting to get the message that just because you’ve got $200,000 in debt and a nice diploma doesn’t mean the world is going to beat a pathway to your door. It doesn’t mean you’re going to get hired in your chosen field.”
“Doesn’t mean you’re well educated,” Carlson said.
“Doesn’t mean anything at all. Except for the fact that you owe $200,000, right? That’s what it means,” Rowe responded.
For over a decade, Rowe has questioned the universal push for college education. He observed that social platforms like Twitter amplify societal expectations, often leading individuals to support ideas they don't genuinely believe in.
Rowe remarked on a significant shift in how Gen Z values education. Recent studies show that this generation ranks the importance of a college degree much lower than previous generations did. Rowe finds this trend encouraging, suggesting a growing awareness of the limitations of a diploma.
Carlson and Rowe discussed the financial burdens of college. Rowe pointed out that a hefty student loan doesn't guarantee success or relevance in one's chosen field. Carlson agreed, implying that a high debt doesn't equate to being well-educated.
Rowe criticized the perception of college diplomas as "golden tickets" to success. He argued that society is beginning to recognize that a diploma often represents nothing more than the debt incurred to obtain it.
In conclusion, Rowe advocated for a reevaluation of the traditional path to success. He suggested that the waning prestige of the college diploma could lead to more pragmatic and financially responsible decisions regarding education and career planning.
