At the crossroads of higher education, Govt. regulations, social media mockery
By: Mohd Younus Bhat
The recent interview featuring J&K contractual lecturers, wherein they advocated for the expeditious annulment of the Guest Faculty norms established by the Jammu & Kashmir administration, was highlighted by the local media outlets. Subsequent to this coverage, individuals on social media engaged in a sustained derision campaign through memes and short video clips, specifically directed at the erudite and intellectual community. This trend may significantly impact individuals’ morale and self-esteem. Those who invest time and effort in acquiring knowledge often take pride in their intellectual achievements. When subjected to mockery, these individuals may feel devalued, a blow to their self-worth.
Here, we will explore how higher education, govt. regulations and social media challenges hinder the optimal growth of intellectuals and students for future challenges. The lamentable state of our education system serves as the backdrop for these issues.
Memes on Social Media Mocking the Highly Educated and Intellectual Class:
Impact on Morale:
The effects of these memes go beyond personal emotions, resulting in an atmosphere where people are reluctant to express their intellectual pursuits or display their education due to the fear of being mocked or criticized. This hesitance to participate in discussions or share knowledge can hinder intellectual exchange in society. Additionally, the impact on morale can also affect professional environments, causing highly educated individuals to feel disheartened and unmotivated, which can ultimately impact their productivity and contributions to their respective fields.
Perpetuates Anti-Intellectualism:
Anti-intellectualism in society is sustained in part by memes that make fun of the highly educated and intelligent class. A mistrust or contempt for intellectual endeavours, education, and those who pursue them are characteristics of anti-intellectualism. The impression that having a high level of education is unimportant and something to be mocked can be strengthened by such memes.
This kind of thinking can have wider social repercussions, impacting public opinion, decision-making procedures, and educational programmes. It might deter money from being invested in research and education, diminish the significance of experience, and obstruct the growth of a culture that values learning and critical thinking.
Stereotyping:
Memes that disparage the intelligentsia and highly educated class frequently reinforce prejudices, causing a distorted view of this group in the eyes of the public. Memes have the power to spread these preconceptions, which include being conceited, out of touch with reality, or socially uncomfortable. They can also cause misunderstandings and have an impact on how the intellectual elite is viewed and interacts with society. Stereotyping can result in prejudiced beliefs, exclusion, and discrimination, which makes it difficult for different groups to work together and share ideas. To sum up, these kinds of memes have a variety of detrimental effects, including low morale, anti-intellectualism, and the reinforcement of unfavourable stereotypes. It takes coordinated efforts to confront and counteract these unfavourable representations, both online and offline, in order to foster a culture that values learning and intellectual endeavours.
Scarcity of Employment and Youth in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K):
Unemployment Rates
Like many other states or UT’s, Jammu and Kashmir struggles to give its youth enough work options, which drives up unemployment rates. The gap between the number of applicants and open opportunities increases competitiveness and makes it more challenging for young people to find steady work. Financial distress, pessimism, and adolescent disillusionment are among the consequences. Long-term unemployment can also fuel societal unrest, which can be detrimental to the region’s overall stability and growth.
Limited Industries:
The economic structure of Jammu and Kashmir is typified by a restricted number of sectors, which may lead to fewer employment prospects for young people. Due to this lack of diversity, the job market is more concentrated in a few industries and is therefore more susceptible to changes in the economy. The limited industries also hinder workforce skill diversification, as individuals may have fewer options to align their careers with their skills and interests, leading to underemployment. Addressing the scarcity of employment in Jammu and Kashmir necessitates a comprehensive approach. Efforts should focus on improving the security situation, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing educational and skill development opportunities for young people. These initiatives aim to create a more stable and prosperous environment, fostering sustainable economic growth and job creation in the region.
Side Effects of Getting Higher Education:
The college education may be expensive, with living expenses, books, and tuition to name a few. Numerous students take out student loans, which results in debt and financial strain. Pressure and tension: Pursuing a higher degree can be taxing, which raises stress levels. The stress of having to meet deadlines, do well on tests, and achieve academic excellence can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Postponing entry into the profession for a number of years might have a negative impact on one’s ability to advance in their career and increase their earning potential.
Financial Burden:
Pursuing higher education often comes with a substantial financial burden. Tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and other associated costs can accumulate quickly, placing a strain on students and their families. Many students resort to taking out student loans to cover these expenses, which leads to a significant financial commitment.
The burden of student loans can create long-term financial stress, impacting individuals well into their post-graduate years. Graduates may find themselves grappling with the pressure of repaying loans, which can limit their ability to save, invest, or make major life decisions, such as purchasing a home or starting a family. The fear of debt can also influence career choices, pushing individuals towards higher-paying but perhaps less fulfilling jobs solely to meet financial obligations.
Pressure and stress:
Higher education is often characterised by rigorous academic demands, challenging coursework, and high expectations. The pressure to excel in academics, meet tight deadlines, and perform well in exams can lead to higher levels of stress among students. The pursuit of academic excellence can sometimes take a toll on mental health, resulting in anxiety, depression, and burnout.
The competitive nature of higher education can contribute to a culture of comparison and perfectionism, further intensifying stress. Students may feel the need to constantly prove themselves, leading to a cycle of overwork and exhaustion. The mental health consequences of this pressure can persist beyond the academic years, affecting individuals in their personal and professional lives.
Delayed Entry into the Job Market:
Pursuing higher education involves a significant time investment, delaying entry into the job market and impacting both earning potential and career progression. Entering the workforce later may result in fewer years of experience compared to peers, affecting career advancement and financial goals like homeownership and retirement planning. Graduates might face challenges catching up, navigating the need for experience, and establishing themselves in their field. Recognizing and addressing these side effects, understanding financial implications, and managing academic pressure are crucial in making informed decisions about advanced degrees. Institutions, policymakers, and individuals all have roles in mitigating these effects and ensuring higher education remains a valuable pursuit for personal and societal growth.
How Can Govt. Help Safeguard the Intellect?
Given the issues that have been brought to light about the highly educated and intelligent class, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach in order to create an atmosphere that promotes both individual and societal development. The following are crucial roles that the government can play in putting these challenges into action:
Increased Budget Allocation for Education and Employment:
Education Funding: Boost the budget allocated to education, with a focus on creating accessible and quality higher education institutions. This would ensure that financial constraints do not hinder individuals from pursuing advanced degrees. Also, instead of available vacancies in institutions, only a handful are appointed over decades and the rest are fulfilled through contractual positions.
Job Creation Programs: Invest in initiatives that stimulate job creation in diverse sectors, aligning with the skill sets of the highly educated workforce. Public-private partnerships can be explored to enhance employment opportunities.
Changing Societal Perceptions:
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns to promote the value of higher education and intellectual pursuits. Highlight the contributions of educated individuals to society and dispel stereotypes that perpetuate negative perceptions.
Celebrating Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of highly educated individuals through media platforms, fostering a culture that appreciates and respects intellectual endeavours.
Support for Highly Educated Youth:
Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Facilitate programs that encourage highly educated individuals to venture into entrepreneurship, providing financial support, mentorship, and resources to kickstart their own enterprises.
Skill Enhancement Programs: Establish initiatives to enhance the employability of the highly educated by offering specialized skill development programs aligned with market demands.
Social Media Regulations:
Strict Enforcement: Implement and enforce strict regulations on social media platforms to prevent the creation and dissemination of memes or content that mocks or devalues highly educated individuals.
Educational Campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns on social media platforms to educate users about the consequences of spreading misinformation, stereotypes, and derogatory content.
Legal Reforms:
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Strengthen and enforce anti-discrimination laws to protect highly educated individuals from prejudice and bias based on their educational background.
Cyberbullying Regulations: Introduce or enhance laws specifically addressing cyberbullying, ensuring legal consequences for those who engage in online mockery and harassment.
By implementing these measures, the government can contribute to the creation of an environment that values education, supports career development, and fosters a positive societal attitude towards the highly educated class. This, in turn, will promote self-sufficiency, innovation, and overall progress for the nation.
The writer is a Research Fellow, Pondicherry University
