The topic came up, of returning to an emphasis on and promoting high school classes in things like Home Economics and Shop skills. Kids are being encouraged to choose these because one really can make money with their hands, and gain respect in the community for being good at it. Academics has this seeming of greater respectablility... When Charlie decided to change majors from anthropology to theater, he said, "Mom, I know anthropology is more respectable..." I told him, "Charlie, no one in the... Sign in to see full entry.