The sad thing is that my situation is not that unusual. Similar incidents are happening across the country as good teachers and their students are muzzled and sidelined. This is what academia in corporatized higher education has become.
It sounds like college is now little different than corporate America. I wouldn't want to go to college now, and I think that's what certain powers want people to think. It wasn't like that years ago, and I am afraid it won't return to when one could get a real education uncontaminated by right-wing ideology.
All the major universities are thoroughly corporatized. There are small liberal arts colleges still operating freely toward the goal of educating students, but they are also being picked off one by one.
A big issue for me is the dishonesty - many people are living under a dictator and using jargon and double speak to not acknowledge the reality we are in. Institutions are bowing rather than pushing back...it is unfortunate. Congrats on the new role.
For many people for various reasons, complicity is the path of least resistance. That’s one reason why I will be beating the drum that we need to provide people with a better alternative, not just complain about the right wing.
It is said "Profiles in Courage" is a thin book--for a reason.
Dr. Giles, my observation is that academia quit you, not the other way around. I feel this great, arid, cultural heatwave evaporating the lake of humanity which has sustained us for so long. We're left stranded in a desert where Mad Maxes wheel giddily around, looking for new victims.
In my view, philosophy's role in any society is to examine and evaluate the values and choices individuals adopt and--if needed, defend--in their pursuit of happiness.
Shockingly, there's precious few articulating this viewpoint today, and as a result (I believe) we're assailed with feelings, impressions, semantics, influences, and heritages as rationales for unspeakable hypocrisy and consequent cruelty.
Thanks, Mark. It is true, my university, or at least my department, had descended to a level to which I refused lower myself. It’s unfortunate, but I will move on to better things and freer pastures where philosophy can fulfill the role you describe.
Compelling piece. The anticipatory obedience angle is what really gets me becuase institutions often fold before theres even direct pressure. I saw simlar dynamics in private sector where companies self-censor to avoid potential backlash. The irony is that philosophy departments should be the last place where controversial ideas get sidelined, yet they're often the first to comply when threatened.
Thanks. I agree with you that philosophy departments should be the place most resistant to suppression of intellectual freedom and open dialogue. They may not be the first departments to comply, but that they do at all is shocking and disturbing.
The sad thing is that my situation is not that unusual. Similar incidents are happening across the country as good teachers and their students are muzzled and sidelined. This is what academia in corporatized higher education has become.
It sounds like college is now little different than corporate America. I wouldn't want to go to college now, and I think that's what certain powers want people to think. It wasn't like that years ago, and I am afraid it won't return to when one could get a real education uncontaminated by right-wing ideology.
All the major universities are thoroughly corporatized. There are small liberal arts colleges still operating freely toward the goal of educating students, but they are also being picked off one by one.
A big issue for me is the dishonesty - many people are living under a dictator and using jargon and double speak to not acknowledge the reality we are in. Institutions are bowing rather than pushing back...it is unfortunate. Congrats on the new role.
For many people for various reasons, complicity is the path of least resistance. That’s one reason why I will be beating the drum that we need to provide people with a better alternative, not just complain about the right wing.
I hear you. I'm sorry things went this way for you. I hope the new situation is rewarding!
It is said "Profiles in Courage" is a thin book--for a reason.
Dr. Giles, my observation is that academia quit you, not the other way around. I feel this great, arid, cultural heatwave evaporating the lake of humanity which has sustained us for so long. We're left stranded in a desert where Mad Maxes wheel giddily around, looking for new victims.
In my view, philosophy's role in any society is to examine and evaluate the values and choices individuals adopt and--if needed, defend--in their pursuit of happiness.
Shockingly, there's precious few articulating this viewpoint today, and as a result (I believe) we're assailed with feelings, impressions, semantics, influences, and heritages as rationales for unspeakable hypocrisy and consequent cruelty.
Your integrity is inspirational.
Thanks, Mark. It is true, my university, or at least my department, had descended to a level to which I refused lower myself. It’s unfortunate, but I will move on to better things and freer pastures where philosophy can fulfill the role you describe.
Compelling piece. The anticipatory obedience angle is what really gets me becuase institutions often fold before theres even direct pressure. I saw simlar dynamics in private sector where companies self-censor to avoid potential backlash. The irony is that philosophy departments should be the last place where controversial ideas get sidelined, yet they're often the first to comply when threatened.
Thanks. I agree with you that philosophy departments should be the place most resistant to suppression of intellectual freedom and open dialogue. They may not be the first departments to comply, but that they do at all is shocking and disturbing.
Peace, colleague