Influencer sparks backlash after calling literature students “stupid”, drawing criticism from academics and social media users
A social media personality known as DMA Islam, who previously drew backlash for belittling Mass Communication and arts-related degrees is facing criticism again, this time over remarks targeting literature students.
In a post circulated on Threads, DMA Islam claimed that students who study literature are “mostly stupid”, describing the degree as a “drop-out class qualification” and suggesting it was chosen by those tring to avoid STEM.
He also claimed literature students wanted a degree like everyone else, but were taking what he described as the easiest route.
“You study literature because you’re running away from STEM.
“You want to have a degree like everyone else, but by taking the easy way out, which is choosing the path of least resistance, which is literature.”
The remarks quick drew backlash online, with users defending literature as a field rooted in critical thought, language mastery and intellectual discipline.
One username, thanusyashanmuganathan, said, “Sorry, literature is not a ‘dropout-class degree’ or a choice for those who are afraid of STEM. It is an intellectual discipline that demands sharpness of mind to explore the complexity of the human soul. I chose this field because of genuine interest.
“Do you think literature is easy? No. Arranging words is not merely empty writing. It is a process of critical thinking that requires careful examination of meaning in every line.”
Meanwhile, faizal_rahmat300 said, “Reducing an entire field of knowledge to ‘stupid’ says more about your intellectual depth than it does about literature. Civilisation itself is built on language, ideas and culture — things you seem to overlook while trying to sound clever.”
shazzshanker, said, “Interesting take. The funniest part is that your own statement is clear proof of why literature is still needed — to teach people how to think and express views with proper manners.
“Those who most need refined thinking and language skills are often the loudest in looking down on others. The best example is DMA Islam.”
mqstn_ said, “It is sinful to speak like this. Just look at your main point — you are belittling people who seek knowledge. There is a lot of sin in saying such things. I am only commenting in the hope that this might make you reflect.”
English literature degree holders also voiced their comments from DMA Islam’s hot take.
“TESL / English Literature degree holder here. Currently an English lecturer to your future engineers, technicians and technologists. Fight me,” said user sjazwani.shuhami.
And another one by a user norahershey: “You sound like someone who hasn’t lived enough to judge. Stop being a plebeian. Sincerely, from an MA English Literature graduate.”
Last year, DMA Islam has sparked controversy and drew criticisms from various figures after calling Mass Communication “one of the stupidest courses in Malaysia”, while also mocking traditional music, theathre and music-related programmes as even worse.
He also questioned why students would take PTPTN loans to pursue such degrees, claimed that theathre students only joined to course to socialise and enjoy themselves, and argued that a degree was only for people with money to waste on a certificate.
