What Is It Good For?

Editorial - Issue 9

Caitríona Ní Chonaill (Editor in Chief)

Hi there!

As we fully settle in to Semester 2, with the stress of exams and assignments looming in a few weeks time, I am currently reflecting on why we have all decided to put ourselves through this in the first place. A bit melodramatic for a Monday, I know. Having done a BA in English and Irish and currently undertaking a Masters in Modern Irish, I find myself looking around at all my fellow Arts students as we undertake essays, readings, assignments, final year projects, dissertations and theses and wonder where all of our musings will get us in comparison to STEM, Medicine or Law graduates, who have a discernible skill as soon as they exit the graduation ceremony. As someone who writes creatively a lot of the time, there always comes a point where I wonder “what is it good for?” (Absolutely nothing, I hear you reply). And yet, thousands of people apply for and complete Arts degrees every year, and go on to have successful careers afterwards, so they must hold some weight! My mind always goes to the Robin Williams quote in Dead Poet’s Society: "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for." The arts keep us afloat when real life has squashed our souls and rid us of our willingness to continue on. What does anyone do when they wish to relax and unwind? They turn to the arts to reconnect with the goodness of humanity - to laugh at a comedy tv show, to hear a beautiful symphony, to appreciate a piece of art. 

And we have also connected with the arts in this issue - though perhaps in a less wholesome capacity! We have a great collaboration between the Sexpress and Film & TV on the representation of sex in film and tv. Also covered this issue are an interview with the stars of UCC TV in Features, a deep dive into the cultivation of the sad girl in the Arts & Literature section and some recommendations on what to wear this Valentine’s Day in the Fashion Section.

Happy Reading!