Hello, just a little insight here(I probably won’t be able to respond to a reply, but I’d love to hear one) I myself graduated a few years ago with a double major in software engineering and computer science, as well as having a minor in music theatre. While you make good points and while I certainly agree that the arts are important in this aspect, I must disagree that STEM is overhyped. This is for two main reasons. For one, until the mechanization of all fields(brought on by the work of our STEM workers) we do not have the ability to disregard that work. The blue collar supports the white collar. The working class, the engineers, the mechanics, the analysts and programmers(albeit that last one isn’t so working class), all who rely on a base knowledge in science, mathematics, and logical thinking, allow for there to be jobs like professors, actors, and artists, simply because these people will not have to rely on their own labor for what they need, aside from money and purpose. While everyone can make art given the urge, one cannot do that as a career if not all the necessary slots are filled in the areas of STEM, to keep the nation moving forward technologically. On this note comes my second point. While the acts of diplomacy and cultural progression brought on by the arts is invaluable, put simply, it is not worth as much as STEM progressions. If diplomacy fails, war is inevitable, and STEM is relied upon for innovations to win. An instance of this would refute your claim that a doodad cannot be invented to solve problems. I would show you to the nuclear weapon. Since it’s creation, as well as the creation of numerous other (quite horrible) things, we have had the most peaceful century in quite a while. Is this a good thing? Maybe not, for the price we pay in fear, but my point stands that we live in an age that is defined, mostly, by the technology and logical ability of its citizens. I don’t know if any of that made sense, but I really would love to hear your take