Why the snobbery?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by DegreeDazed, Apr 14, 2010.

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  1. DegreeDazed

    DegreeDazed Member

    Why are some people such snobs about the institution they support? Why are some people from B&M schools snobbish towards DL? Why are some people from the top RA DL schools snobbish towards lower rated RA DL schools? Why are some people from RA DL schools snobbish towards non RA schools? What's up with all of that?
     
  2. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member

    You get an answer to those questions and other such ones should easily follow: Why are we snobbish about our cars? Our friends? or High Schools and Sports Teams? Our Country? How come all of the Mom's at my son's school drive white SUV's?

    People like to feel better about themselves. I've not met too many people who say things like: "You know?, my school was really subpar...the learning was not rigourous and the degree is pretty much worthless"

    The only one that is easily solved is this: Yes, the Marine Corps is vastly superior to all other branches of service.
     
  3. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    LOL Love that last line.

    Seriously though, it's a good question. I also wonder why human nature is such that many have to make others feel small to make themselves feel better.
     
  4. JWC

    JWC New Member

    Three words: parochialism, chauvinism, and provincialism!
     
  5. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Semper Fi!
     
  6. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Woah! Now what do I say? Just about any question that starts with "Why?" is bound to be beyond the scope of this forum.

    There is hardly such a thing as either. What differentiates one from another in terms of any kind of ranking are mostly accreditation and connection to B&M schools. An online MBA from UMass, Amherst carries WAY more street cred than an MBA from Excelsior, despite them both being DL. However, for numerous reasons, that is to be expected (even though snobbery is uncalled for).

    I assume your question is in relation to the recent thread about NCU. Really, if graduates from Walden or Capella are snobbish toward graduates of NCU, they aren't doing anything but shooting themselves in the foot. If they want recognition or respect for their own DL accomplishments, they must not contribute to the general attitude of condescension towards DL degrees (which is still very evident in some professional circles).
     
  7. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Well said, Maniac. We should all pull together. I think we do that here for the most part, I see very few posts that I would call snobish. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and entitled to voice that opinion as long as they do it in a kind way.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 15, 2010
  8. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator


    That is one of the wisest things I have read all year - well said!
     
  9. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Roger that, Kill!!!
     
  10. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    As someone much, much wiser than me said,

    "Haters gonna hate."

    [​IMG]
     
  11. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Snobbery is about procreation. All you peacocks, spread your plumage.
     
  12. jek2839

    jek2839 New Member

    Go Army!!!!!
     
  13. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Forget the Army and Marines. Go peacocks!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 15, 2010
  14. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Calling it "snobbery" is a sloppy way of avoiding the observable facts by reducing the argument to emotion. For example, the multiple, observable limitations of degrees offered by DETC-accredited schools are not in serious dispute. Whether or not they're significant--or whether they affect any one person--is certainly debatable and best judged by the individual.

    Snobbery? Only the pitiful would take that stance, and then blame others for having done so.
     
  15. Jazz

    Jazz New Member

    It's ok. We in the Army understand and accept that Uncle Sam's Misguided Children suffer from an inferiority complex and overcompensate to make themselves feel better. We still love you. ;)
     
  16. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    What argument do you mean? The OP isn't speaking about NA vs RA nor School A vs. School B, rather, a disrespectful attitude of condescention which simply shouldn't exist among adults, primarily because:

    My brother wants to go to an ivy league school :rolleyes:, if he does, would I deserve for him to belittle or devalue me or my accomplishments if I complete my degree online?

    What's good for the Doc isn't always good for the Terp, and vice versa.
     
  17. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Go Army! I only envy the Corps' eclectic martial arts program [very smart move...]. Otherwise, 'devil dogs' are great for measuring jars. :D
     
  18. Ruble

    Ruble New Member

    Air Force all the way!

    I loved the Army while I was in the Air Force. While stationed in Korea they were a great alarm clock. They always went running by singing "wake up Air Force wake up". :)
     
  19. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    I resemble that remark...

    I have memories of doing "just that" while stationed at YongSan. I learned a valuable lesson about the difference in mentality when two airmen were placed in our barracks. Their one-star came to visit and said, "These conditions are deplorable. My men won't be housed here." They were moved on the economy the self same day.

    *sigh*...Army. Run all the time and live in shacks. :D
     
  20. BillDayson

    BillDayson New Member

    Ask yourself this: Why do you think that most people want to earn degrees? Answer honestly. I think that answer might contain the germ of the answer to your original question.

    Degrees are about being better qualified than the next guy. They are about pecking orders and relative ranks. They are about going to the top of the applicant list and getting the job when other people don't.

    In other words, it's the nature of the beast. It comes with the territory.

    I've always found it ironic how the academic world loves to play socialist and pose as the champion of the common man, while in reality they are perhaps the most class conscious people on earth. Academics are right up there with faded European aristocracy in their obsession with the relative rankings of their obscure 'titles'.
     

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