Some people hold that people from the education and healthcare industries should earn more than those from sports and entertainment fields because they contribute more to society. I partly agree with this statement because I do appreciate some professionals’ immense contribution to society, while I disagree that it becomes a justified reason to give them higher payment than others.
For one thing, there is no standard way to gauge ‘contribution’, a rather abstract word. Admittedly, teachers cultivate talents and shape minds and doctors save patients from death, but this by no means should dwarf the indispensible role of sportsmen and entertainment celebrities in the running of society. They impact the world equally significant—but in a less noticeable manner. For example, Li Na’s winning the first Grand Slam title as the first athlete from Asia transcends mere individual success. It encourages more Asian teenagers to engage in tennis and opens up an unprecedented era of China’s tennis market. Does Li Na contribute less than doctors and teachers?
For another, money is not the sole and principal acknowledgement to an individual’s contribution. Human would be inhumane if everything is counted by money. Jobs such as teaching and nursing, in nature, are noble and thus have been acclaimed in numerous poetries, movies, and songs. These professionals may not be super-rich, but still decent and esteemed. Should everyone solely consider remuneration when choosing a career, then no one would want to become a teacher or doctor.
Even if we consider this argument from the capital viewpoint, the proposition of rewarding some professionals more than others still does not hold water, either. Sports and entertainment are an essential part of the commercial eco-system. Reputed figures from these fields publicize products as spokespersons and stimulate sales, and eventually generating GDP to society.
In summary, each position is crucial in the running of society. We should feel thankful for people’s dedicated contribution, while respecting the rationale of the current world.