I am partial to trying to get people to "learn something". My belief is that when something is known as being hard, a teacher can get away with being mediocre

I am partial to trying to get people to "learn something". My belief is that when something is known as being hard, a teacher can get away with being mediocre or inept because bad ratings and students failing or low averages can be hand waived away as them not trying hard enough in the "hard" course. I also think the attitude that degree = more $ is at least partially to blame for less rigor. If people think this way then naturally just showing up to class and receiving the diploma are most important and if we are honest that might explain the existence of majors that are not rigorous at all like the ones mentioned.