Another thing that Rowe does is start his argument from the current student loan debt problem — or WHY the cost of a college education has skyrocketed — but his only solution isn’t a solution at all: you should learn a trade instead. When asked about specific solutions (like forgiving student loan debt or making public college education tuition-free), he doesn’t actually address either. Basically, if you have student loan debt, you shouldn’t — and it’s your individual problem to solve. Shame.

When Rowe is interpreted as denigrating college, he immediately becomes defensive and repeats himself. But, as the recent (white male) craze over Jordan Peterson has repeatedly shown, if you’re consistently misinterpreted, maybe you’re actually consistently miscommunicating. This is the difficulty with clickbaity headlines and a cultural shift toward an allergy to nuance and critical thinking— and facts.

Rowe wants to tip the scales away from an extreme elitist mindset — which thinks college is the ONLY option for everyone — toward seeing the value in trades that have created a skills gap. But, it seems the long-term effect of this will actually be the opposite. The correlation is notable between those spreading the gospel of Mike Rowe and those who think education in general and important aspects of education (like critical thinking skills) are useless. The trade evangelists will ultimately (even if unintentionally) end up contributing to the ongoing shift toward deprioritizing — and defunding — education across the country.

When ones social media diet consists of Fox News and Breitbart, the ability to rationally assess anything has already been compromised — or eliminated. Few will spend more than a few seconds to really understand the next “BURN! by Mike Rowe” and will instead encourage future generations to not care so much about education at all. Some may learn skills or find a trade. My fear is most will just opt out of that pursuit altogether — maybe graduate high school and keep working an entry-level job until they lose it — or worse. As a citizen of a country and the world, I want better for — not only my kids — but everyone. Yes, learning a trade can be good. But, having a college education is — in most situations — better. If that’s elitist then the truth is elitist.

Rowe’s intent seems to be good. But the danger is real.