American culure....

“There’s nothing in our culture that credentials you quite like a published book.”

   I know I said I would talk a lot about Barack Obama and why I think he is the best candidate for president of this great nation. But I am also delving into the wide and varied world of the “writer”. In this post, I intend to discuss the quote I provided you with above. So here goes…

    Everywhere you look, newscasters and newspapers and periodicals and strategist all tout the benefits of an education. It is important…it will open doors for you…it will expand your mind and widen your perspective…all of these may be true, but ... it doesn't always get you a better job! I learned this the hard way after I earned my bachelor degree in business. I applied for TONS of fascinating jobs that I was finally qualified for…but I received not one interview. So I ended up taking a job as an administrative assistant two towns down the road.  What I am trying to get at is that even a bachelor’s degree couldn’t land me a decent job. And let me tell you, I did all they told me to do for the job search…
    Then, much later, I finally got it through my thick head that American culture favors the underdog, not the affluent or privileged.  He who gets arrested for banding together and staging a sit-in in protest of something or the other (it doesn’t really matter what) is applauded. She who works two jobs to make ends meet is sympathized with. He who pays child support is considered an “exceptional” father. She who replaces a Board member because she is the niece of the general manager is on par with corporate culture. All these examples exemplify those who DO NOT have an education (some of whom haven’t even finished high school). And yet, many of us stubbornly hold on to the premise that an education will get us the lifestyle and recognition we want. Now the first goal may be realized (if we are good at managing our money!), but the second goal isn’t…usually.
    Going back to the quote I presented at the beginning of this post… You can be the one who didn’t even finish high school, as long as you have a good story to tell and you can tell it in such a way that people will want to read it...go figure!