Last spring, I attended a performance of the Iona College Theatre Ensemble’s “The Mandrake.” While it was an incredible performance, something I saw that night troubled me.

There were pamphlets on every chair in Doorley Auditorium created by the Arts Council addressing the question of why one had to pay to see the performance. I was appalled when reading the explanation.

I couldn’t believe someone would have the audacity to question why a ticket to a play cost money. It was quite clear to me that it cost money to put on such a performance, and that in paying for my ticket, I was partaking in a long tradition of art where actors give their time and talents for audiences to see and appreciate.

Since this experience, I find a stigma of triviality associated with the liberal arts both at college and in society as a whole. In our fast-paced and technological world, the beauty and value of arts is quickly forgotten in a push for more practical mediums like science and business. I believe there’s certainly great esteem and merit in both mentioned mediums, but this doesn’t mean we should devalue the arts and all that they can provide in terms of an education.

As an English major, I face the modern day stigma associated with the arts all the time. When people ask what my major is and I tell them English, they say, “Oh, so what do you plan on doing with that?” The implication here is that English is not as worthy a study as other pursuits and that since I am seeking a degree such a subject, I am doomed to unemployment.

I do not appreciate the question or the implications that come with it. There are a variety of different things one can do with an English degree, even if the possible career paths aren’t as clear cut as the path one takes from declaring a major in Accounting to becoming an accountant.

The main problem is the attitude we have come to accept when it comes to the liberal arts and the plain fact that no one seems to be doing anything about it. I must admit to shying away from the question above due to my fear of being judged for giving a truthful answer.

The benefits the liberal arts can provide to students are endless. Engaging in the liberal arts allows you to not only acquire knowledge, but gain a better appreciation of the world, history and people in general. The liberal arts teach critical thinking, communication skills and how to have a more holistic view of the world. I truly believe that there is something to be gained from studying the liberal arts that is unattainable in any other field of study.

Overall, studying liberal arts creates wiser, more tolerant people with open minds and an eagerness and willingness to explore. It is unclear to me why we would choose to dismiss such teachings.

Therefore, I think a call to action is necessary. I make this call to everyone, especially liberal arts majors who should stand up for their studies. Let’s change the attitude toward the liberal arts. Let’s not forget all that has been learned and can be learned from these subjects.

Read a book, see a play and remember that all majors have their merits. Who knows, you might find something that will open your eyes, get you to really think and see things in a whole new way.

To contact the Ionian’s Randa Kriss, e-mail her at [email protected]