- #1
kings7
- 37
- 0
I often straddle two very separate worlds.
First, let me explain. I am both a musician and a mathematician. I'm a fairly accomplished pianist (went to Interlochen, have won a few competitions, getting all my education paid for because of piano), and I say this NOT to brag, but to give some context. I am also an average mathematician, receiving my B.S. in mathematics recently (3.6 gpa in math, 3.8 gpa in music, and 3.79 gpa including gen eds overall from a well-known Michigan school, and I definitely didn't work as hard as I could because I was focused on my job at a major hospital). I'm also considering going back for my masters and possibly PhD in mathematics with a pedagogical/teaching emphasis. I love mathematics and science, but have no special talent for it other than a slightly above-average IQ, a passion for it, and some determination/hard work (which imho, are really all you really need to succeed... heck, I can anecdotally attest to the fact that you may only even need an average IQ!...:P).
OK, enough about me.
The problem: People in the arts many times don't understand people in the sciences, and vice versa. In general, musicians/artists/designers realize the importance of science, but don't get any reliable information on it or seem to think it's boring and end up making stupid decisions (like being suspicious of the theory of evolution and the role it has played in modern medicine, etc.). Conversely, people within any STEM field sometimes think that being a musician or artist is #1) Easy and/or inconsequential and #2) That 'those people' are leeches on society because all the hard work it takes to get a STEM degree doesn't seem to translate to other degrees (which is very false if you've ever looked at or completed a curriculum for visual art or music).
In addition, the art/music/design side tend to see scientists (I use the term to mean anyone within the STEM model) as not creative (which is not true) and scientists tend to see artists/musicians/designers as not intelligent, logical, or capable of doing anything in science (which is also not true).
I recognize that there are people on both sides that give each side a bad name, which is unfortunate. On the other hand, there are many people who understand both sides. I'm not accusing anyone outright, just the overall general perceptions, which I think I have explained more or less accurately. I have much experience with these perceptions, and I am looking for people who agree (in general) and can list some specific "stereotypes" or perceptions, and ways we can correct false ones.
With all of that in mind (phew!), here is a specific question to focus the conversation: What are peoples' thoughts about the perceptions and/or stereotypes of different occupations, degrees, or fields of interest? This would include difficulty of the field/occupation, applicability, social status, and whatever other ideas one could come up with. For example, if you are a scientist (like most people here) please comment on how you view the arts or another "unrelated" (to you) subject. Likewise for musicians, philosophers, etc.
Also, if there is anyone (and I'm sure there are at least some or many people here) that straddle two different worlds in some way, please also comment on your experiences.
At the end of the day, I believe both the arts and sciences are required to have a wonderful human experience, and I think, unfortunately, many people are ignorant to this, most of the time through no fault of their own... it's just a cultural thing (at least in the US).
I know this thread isn't perfectly worded, or perfect in any way, but I tried my best. Please be kind. This is a hard question to ask while getting all the nuances and caveats correct.
Thanks for spending the time to read this. Future thanks to all those who reply.
First, let me explain. I am both a musician and a mathematician. I'm a fairly accomplished pianist (went to Interlochen, have won a few competitions, getting all my education paid for because of piano), and I say this NOT to brag, but to give some context. I am also an average mathematician, receiving my B.S. in mathematics recently (3.6 gpa in math, 3.8 gpa in music, and 3.79 gpa including gen eds overall from a well-known Michigan school, and I definitely didn't work as hard as I could because I was focused on my job at a major hospital). I'm also considering going back for my masters and possibly PhD in mathematics with a pedagogical/teaching emphasis. I love mathematics and science, but have no special talent for it other than a slightly above-average IQ, a passion for it, and some determination/hard work (which imho, are really all you really need to succeed... heck, I can anecdotally attest to the fact that you may only even need an average IQ!...:P).
OK, enough about me.
The problem: People in the arts many times don't understand people in the sciences, and vice versa. In general, musicians/artists/designers realize the importance of science, but don't get any reliable information on it or seem to think it's boring and end up making stupid decisions (like being suspicious of the theory of evolution and the role it has played in modern medicine, etc.). Conversely, people within any STEM field sometimes think that being a musician or artist is #1) Easy and/or inconsequential and #2) That 'those people' are leeches on society because all the hard work it takes to get a STEM degree doesn't seem to translate to other degrees (which is very false if you've ever looked at or completed a curriculum for visual art or music).
In addition, the art/music/design side tend to see scientists (I use the term to mean anyone within the STEM model) as not creative (which is not true) and scientists tend to see artists/musicians/designers as not intelligent, logical, or capable of doing anything in science (which is also not true).
I recognize that there are people on both sides that give each side a bad name, which is unfortunate. On the other hand, there are many people who understand both sides. I'm not accusing anyone outright, just the overall general perceptions, which I think I have explained more or less accurately. I have much experience with these perceptions, and I am looking for people who agree (in general) and can list some specific "stereotypes" or perceptions, and ways we can correct false ones.
With all of that in mind (phew!), here is a specific question to focus the conversation: What are peoples' thoughts about the perceptions and/or stereotypes of different occupations, degrees, or fields of interest? This would include difficulty of the field/occupation, applicability, social status, and whatever other ideas one could come up with. For example, if you are a scientist (like most people here) please comment on how you view the arts or another "unrelated" (to you) subject. Likewise for musicians, philosophers, etc.
Also, if there is anyone (and I'm sure there are at least some or many people here) that straddle two different worlds in some way, please also comment on your experiences.
At the end of the day, I believe both the arts and sciences are required to have a wonderful human experience, and I think, unfortunately, many people are ignorant to this, most of the time through no fault of their own... it's just a cultural thing (at least in the US).
I know this thread isn't perfectly worded, or perfect in any way, but I tried my best. Please be kind. This is a hard question to ask while getting all the nuances and caveats correct.
Thanks for spending the time to read this. Future thanks to all those who reply.