The passage discusses the reasons some students choose to major in English, often viewing it as a default option. It suggests that these individuals may have struggled with more analytical or quantitative fields such as science, history, or math. Rather than pursuing their true passions, they gravitate towards English because it feels familiar and comfortable, akin to their childhood experience of reading. This raises questions about their motivations and intellect.
Moreover, the text implies that these students might lack interest in other subjects that require different skills, thus resorting to English as a safe choice. The major, in this view, is not seen as a pursuit of profound literary analysis or creativity but rather as a path taken by those uncertain of their educational and career directions. Ultimately, it portrays a critical perspective on how societal biases shape academic choices.