Issue 12, Fall 1996

William A. McEachern, Editor

Economist as Movie Hero?

The success of the TV's top show during the 1980s, L.A. Law, may have prompted some students to apply to law school. Doctor shows, such as top-rated E.R. and Chicago Hope, may now be having a similar effect of medical school applications. More generally, TV and film portrayal of various professions may influence career choice, at least in the short run. Even scientists, though often depicted as nerdy, have their screen heroes (e.g., Indiana Jones in Spielberg's movies and the Jeff Goldblum character in Independence Day). But economists have no screen presence, nerdy or otherwise. Economics could benefit from a TV series or movie that portrays an economist doing interesting, challenging, and worthwhile work. Any script writers out there?

Incidentally, some well known actors majored in economics in college, including Paul Newman (Kenyon College) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Univ. of Wisconsin). Rocker Mick Jagger, who also starred in several documentaries and a few movies, went to the London School of Economics. All three are successful business people. Newman produces a variety of foods, including salad dressing and spaghetti sauce (he donates profits to charity). Schwarzenegger has extensive real estate holdings. And according to Forbes magazine (9/23/96), Jagger's group, the Rolling Stones, is "rock's most efficient corporation." Both Schwarzenegger and the Stones ranked among the ten best-paid entertainers in 1995 and 1996 (see "The Evidence File").

Perhaps a background in economics contributed to their business success -- at least that's a possibility worth considering when discussing with students the long-term benefits of economics courses.

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