The article “Blue-Collar Brilliance” written by Mike Rose emphasizes that blue-collar jobs require just as much mind and body as jobs which require education. Rose states that “Intelligence is closely associated with formal education” (Rose, 247). However, despite this assumption which has been absorbed throughout our cultural history, more reading occurs in the blue-collared workplace then one would assume. Rose argues that although society defines ones IQ by their intelligence received by school grades, a blue-collar worker must gain experience through observations, and become accustomed to work related actions and through physical assistance. Rose claims “if we believe everyday work to be mindless, then that will affect the work we create in the future” (Rose, 254). Devaluing the work of those with limited educational opportunities will only hurt the results of the work force in times to come.

I do acknowledge Rose’s view points on “Blue-Collar Brilliance” and that it is under estimated. However, in my opinion, it is not that these blue-collar workers are not capable of achieving higher education; it is because some choose not to. I believe that every individual has the potential and inherent intelligence to accomplish some degree of education. It is up to the individual however, to be motivated and follow through with this process. Although it is a pity that these blue-collared workers do not get the credit they deserve, in a sense they are receiving credit comparable to the effort they put into education.

Education, in my eyes, is essential to live a comfortable life. There are instances when education is not a necessity to be successful; however, there are no guarantees in life. For instance, among member of my family the diner business is very common. Many diner owners did not go to college because running a diner does not take higher education. These owners are successful, although in some cases a diner may be forced to close down. If this is the case, what does the owner have left as an option? This owner does not have a college education to go seek a new job, but has to find a diner willing to hire an individual who is used to being paid a decent salary. I do not agree that college is not for everyone. If I had the option between being a blue collared worker or becoming a doctor but receiving the same pay even though one requires more education then the other, I would chose the blue-collar work. Why? Going to school is not what many individuals would call recreational, but I am attending college because I think it is always good to have some form of higher education regardless of one’s professional career.