Tayari's Blog: Manicures and MFAs
Posted by TayariJones on September 24, 2005 07:05 AM
Filed under
Writing
Well, I am getting ready to hop a plane to go to DC for the Pen/Faulkner gala. Over the last few days, I've been scrambling trying to make sure my sister who lives in Port Arthur, Texas is safe from Rita, trying to get my students' papers graded, trying to take care of a few home repairs. And I looked down at my hands and feet. Oh no! I had to drop everything and go a manicurist.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the MFA degree.
Well, while I was rushing to the nail shop, I reflected on what a RECENT concept the mandatory manicure is. When I was a kid, my mom would paint her own fingernails. "Always push your cuticles down when you get out of the bath," was her lesson to me. She always looked beautiful when she got dressed up. My favorite photograph of her shows my mother wearing a pink gown she sewed herself. A pouf of feathers accent the cuffs. Her toenail polish, a shell pink, was done at home.
Hang on. I'll get to the MFA soon. I promise.
It seems to me that there are more things you "must" pay for now that you didn't have to pay for, say, twenty or thirty years ago. Manicures are just part of it. Think of how everything has a brand name in a way that they just didn't back in the day. I can remember when jeans were not of any particular brand that you would talk about. I described my jeans by the design on the pocket or the color of the piping, not by the name of the designer. (Am I giving away my age?)
So this brings me to the degree. As you may know, I teach in the MFA program at the University of Illinois. And I hold an MFA from Arizona State University. I also encourage writers to get an MFA if they can spare the money and the time.
At the same time, I keep thinking of how many writers of the past never formally studied writing. I worry that the name of your degree-granting school has become the writer's brand-name. Of the young writers I meet at conferences, residencies, and other high-end affairs, over ninety percent hold MFA degrees. And everyone knows where everyone went. Is being a self-taught writer in the same league with mammy-made clothes, home-done nails, and no-name tennis shoes??
Let's just say it gives me pause. I would write more, but I've got a plane to catch.
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There are 5 comments on "Manicures and MFAs". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Ladylee
You know, it's the same way in the scientific field... everything is about pedigree, and you are judged by it. (where you went to school, who your advisor was, your research, etc.) And it's rare to hear of anyone getting a good job in ANY field with just a high school education. Right now, it looks like you have to have at least a Master's degree in your field of study to be considered noteworthy (when did that requirement begin??) How unfortunate...
And like you said, manicures (and pedicures) are mandatory. Let's not even talk about cell phones. And you know it's going to get worse. We live in a fast food, new school generation.
That's why I like to give people homemade gifts whenever posssible. Reminds me of how simple life use to be...
September 26, 2005 05:26 PM
Comment #2, by Tammee
It's the same way with the law. I finished up law school last year, and although I know I don't want to pursue a career in law, many of my friends haven't gottne jobs because we didn't go to a top tier school. It's all so bogus...
September 26, 2005 07:14 PM
Comment #3, by Anquinetta
T., I'm sure you know how I feel about the brand-naming of degrees. You should see the looks I get when I mention the schools attached to my degrees. It's funny though, now I'm not sure if it's the MFA or the BA that raises the most eyebrows. And I'm still not convinced that an MFA is even necessary. Actually, I take that back. I know it's not, but it does give you time to wallow around in the writing life (Perhaps that is necessary for some of us--lol).
As for the manis and pedis . . . you know I'm simply country, I still do my own. Someone mentioned cell phones . . . I still don't use one. If anything was ever unnecessary in day-to-day life it is the mobile phone. ~Q
September 28, 2005 08:35 AM
Comment #4, by mobear ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
I read this particular post sometime ago and while it made me rethink my motives, I am still well on my way to finising several MFA applications.
But as someone who's been through it, I'd like to ask, what is your impression of the faculty? Were they supportive of you and your voice as a woman of color? Also, how would someone in my position -- a young woman w/ a BA, and penchant for reading dead authors -- evaulate faculty at various schools. I've been looking through the faculty rosters and at most schools I have not read the fiction writers though I am applying to fiction. Is there any advice you could give me? I'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
December 5, 2006 12:01 AM
Comment #5, by mobear
I read this particular post sometime ago and while it made me rethink my motives, I am still well on my way to finising several MFA applications.
But as someone who's been through it, I'd like to ask, what is your impression of the faculty? Were they supportive of you and your voice as a woman of color? Also, how would someone in my position -- a young woman w/ a BA, and penchant for reading dead authors -- evaulate faculty at various schools. I've been looking through the faculty rosters and at most schools I have not read the fiction writers though I am applying to fiction. Is there any advice you could give me? It'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
December 5, 2006 12:02 AM