College atheletes used to get a degree in bringing your pencil.

The quote by Ruby Wax humorously critiques the perceived lack of academic rigor for college athletes. By saying that they used to get a degree in "bringing your pencil," Wax suggests that many athletes were enrolled in higher education primarily for their athletic abilities rather than their academic achievements. The phrase "bringing your pencil" is a tongue-in-cheek way of implying that their educational involvement was superficial, focusing on attending classes without significant intellectual engagement or academic effort.

Wax’s remark points to the traditional imbalance between the emphasis on athletics and academics in some college sports programs. It highlights how athletes, especially in popular sports like football and basketball, were often given preferential treatment, allowing them to bypass rigorous academic standards. This created a situation where athletic ability sometimes overshadowed true academic merit, leading to the stereotype that athletes were not fully committed to their studies.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Ruby Wax’s comedic style, where she often used humor to address social and cultural issues, such as the commercialization of college sports. As a comedian and TV personality, Wax was known for her sharp wit and pointed observations, which she used to critique various societal norms and institutions, including the education system and sports culture.

Ultimately, Wax’s quote serves as a commentary on the complex relationship between athletics and academics in higher education. Her use of humor helps shed light on the inequalities and contradictions that often arise when educational institutions prioritize sports success over academic integrity and educational quality. It challenges the idea that success in college sports should be equated with academic or intellectual achievement.