INDULGE ME
When the Catholic Church reigned in Europe in the days of yore, indulgences were sold to generate revenue for the Church. As we remember, these priest-signed papers could grant a person pardon for certain sins-to-be, for only one small payment of $19.95! This developed an attitude of document-honoring which subverted penitence and repentance. This crosses over in our day in the form of resume- and diploma-loving (which, in turn, replaces focus on one's actual talent and potential). Can a piece of paper actually tell you how good somebody is?
GOD, GOLD, GLORY
mercantilism: n. amassing a hecka ton of gold, jewels, etc. to bring glory to your king and country; popular during the age of exploration
credentialism: n. amassing a hecka ton of credentials (service club, internship, awesome ACT score, check!) to prove you are the most glorious candidate for EVERYTHING...right?
'Nuff said.
credentialism: n. amassing a hecka ton of credentials (service club, internship, awesome ACT score, check!) to prove you are the most glorious candidate for EVERYTHING...right?
'Nuff said.
I'VE GOT A DREAM
Media in the '50's portrayed the perfect family, the perfect home, the perfect vacuum cleaner, and so everyone had to have those things. If they didn't...well, that's just bad news. No American dream for them.Today, it's like this: you get a degree or you lose. Oh, and by the way, employers like to see that you've done a bunch of other things besides school, too. You want the dream life as a CEO with a fat retirement fund--AKA, real success? You gotta get the credentials.
First off, I find that connection between selling pardons and honoring documents intriguing. If there is much of a relationship there, I would love to learn more about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm also curious to see the relationship between mercantilism and credentialism. I think you make a good point. What if the analogy to lassiz-faire is similar to what sam talked about in that ignite video Dr. Burton showed us-namely doing what you love and telling people about it.
I also am writing on credentialing (specifically within the actuarial field) and I really like what you have said about mercantilism. That led me to thinking a lot about liberalism and how what was said in the drogin text really applies to what we are both wanting to change. Feel free to check out my post! I made reference to yours in there too!
ReplyDelete