Hey Everyone,
Hope you're enjoying your mini-vacation (in the meantime I plot to intrude on your time off :o)
I've asked you to read chapter three "Observations On a New Fifth Column" in Salaita's book. Below you'll find the question, but first:
Before replying, see if you can find out what the "fifth Column" is. Also, see what you can find about Edward Said. Be sure to consider Salaita's analysis of the media coverage surrounding Said's death. Think about what types of sources you should look into when researching him. Be prepared to discuss Edward Said in class on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Now...the blog question:
Salaita claims colleges and univeristies are "ground zero" for anti-arab racism. He cites the negative experiences Arab students have had at their respective schools, a lack of academic freedom, and a host of external organizations that crack down on professors who teach what is purported by them to be anti-Israeli lessons. Should academic freedom in universities be limited? Do professors have an obligation to teach students in a manner consistent with "American culture" or U.S. foreign policy? Some of you have felt that Salaita is too sensitive sometimes--what do you think about his arguments in this chapter?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Anti-Arab Racism at "Ground Zero"
Posted by Mr. P at 11:37 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
52 comments:
I don't think that academic freedom in universities should be limited because we have the 1st amendment right for the freedom of speech because of the Constitution. What is the point of having this basic right if we can't say what we have to say because we fear of getting in trouble? I also think that professors have an obligation to teach students in a manner that is consistent with American culture because they should teach in a way that goes along the same lines as everyone else so that they won't be considered anti-Semitic or anti-American. I think that his arguments are very serious and realistic because he had went through the same discrimination when he was a student in college.
I believe that academic freedom should not be limited in universities. In fact I might go as far as to argue that academic freedom should rarely, if ever at all, be limited at any point of academic achievement. I think that a primary reason why many students are so ignorant is due to misleading information given by teachers and professors in order to “save face” for American history. The fact of the matter is that history interests me only when various sides of the spectrum are being analyzed because if they aren’t the subject being taught is incomplete and or void. Teachers have a responsibility to “teach” students. However, I do not know if that responsibility creates a requirement for them to examine all spectrums of different events. I will say that (in my opinion) any professor/teacher that is “knowingly” teaching a lesson plan that does not tell the entire truth should be ashamed. I say this because when every thing is said and done they are partially accountable for the racism and or hatred which is exhibited in classrooms throughout America. I agree with Salatias arguments in chapter three for two reasons. First off he has seen this type of racism for himself which means IT EXISTS and secondly I have seen the same type of racism he is speaking of (at a lesser degree)…..Whether it is when a teacher tells you that it is patriotic to believe Christopher Columbus single handedly founded America and the “Indians” (which is a very hurtful and inaccurate term) were just waiting to be found. Or your college professor is saying that America is right for its treatment of Palestine and its creation if Israel the fact of the matter is at some point both sides of the story should be told….I think teachers have that obligation at the bare minimum…
Though as students we should have always had academic freedom. Universities (i would expect) is the best place to write freely about one’s own thoughts on any topic rather sensitive or not. Instead of bluntly saying "we want to control your thoughts" issuing an "F" more accepted. The thought of controlling one's thoughts (even adults) is terrifying and furthermore unconstitutional it happens everyday in the U.S. Academic freedom should not be limited in universities, this should be the time of real writing and freedom. Yes, to a certain extent professors should have an obligation to teach students, but I also believe that by this time the resources to books about history are high so if a student did really want to find out the truth search for it. Most students don't take advantage because of the great amount of brain wash that what they learned from there social studies teacher is all correct. Then there are some who don't want to know because they don’t want there image of there "Perfect America" to be blurred by the TRUTH. Mr. Salaita's sensitive approach to incidents that have happen in his community I believe are a refection of his care for his own people. In his defense when ones own race is attacked is there a time when that person or persons become sensitive about what experiences they've faced with? YES Why not be able to express his feelings and worries for his race.
Academic Freedom in universities should NOT be limited because, students should have the right to do what they want and or believe in doing while in these Universities. Ray brought up the first amendment. Well, I agree with the first amendment. Students have freedom of speech so why should they have to worry about getting in trouble over what they say in class. Professors should have an obligation to teach the US foreign policy. Let's say that Arabs went to a university, the professor should teach the foreign policy so that the students would understand how some Americans feel about different cultures and races in America. I don’t feel that they should have an obligation to teach American Culture because people should have the right to believe in their own culture instead of being forced to learn the American Culture. I mean professors could teach the culture just to inform the students of the American way of life but not to make the students adapt to the American way of life.
No, I don’t think that academic freedom should be limited in universities. Everyone has the right to say what they want. They should be able to express their opinions to whomever they need to. Teachers have the obligation to teach students but whether it is in the manner consistent with “American culture” or “U.S. foreign policy” is up to the teacher. Every teacher has their own way of teaching students whichever way best suits them is what how they should teach. The main concern is that the students are learning and understanding what they are learning. Sometimes I feel like Salaita is a little too sensitive. He is always only expressing the negative experiences he is being faced. I don’t think that everything he is faced with is negative. He should weigh the good and the evil so that the readers can see both sides.
I don’t think academic freedoms in universities should be limited due to the fact adults in the universities should be capable of making their own decisions of what to believe and what to stand for. Professors shouldn’t have to teach in a certain censored manner because they have a right to their opinion. I agree with Rae about the first amendment and professors shouldn’t teach against American culture and foreign policies, but it is their choice whether they express their personal views or not. Salatia’s arguments in this chapter were direct and to the point. He usually over analyzes his sources to find the racism in them and presents them to us. In this chapter the racism and the points he make are very clear and understandable.
I don’t think academic freedom should be limited because everything we learn has different sides to it. If academic freedom is limited then universities in the U.S. will no longer teach the curriculum because professors would be forced to only teach one side of the story. One also has freedom of speech and although we are restricted some things to say in school, professors should be able to teach their curriculum in a way where they don’t offend either side of the subject. Professors also shouldn't be obligated to teach a certain manner that corresponds with the American culture. If their curriculum has to do with over seas studies then when they try to teach it to the students it wouldn't be the same because its being taught in one certain perspective. Although Salaita expresses a numerous amount of perspectives on his experiences it doesn't mean he is being to sensitive. One has every right to express how they feel especially if his or her book. He created this book for a reason and that’s to let everyone know how he feels about certain things. His arguments are questionable but like I said its his book so its his opinion. If anyone else has a different opinion then let us know how they feel because they are entitled to their freedom of speech. I can also say that the arguments Salaita confronts in the book are realistic and reasonable because he uses reasoning to explain his opinions and doesn't blurt them out. When he explained the racism in school and other places like the things after 9/11 he showed us that racism has just been modified but the uneducated things they say still stand. Showing one that some Americans need to learn that not everyone is the same, meaning that not all people have bad intentions and if one should feel like they should oppose they shouldn't blurt out things because it can hurt many people.
Being able to communicate intellectually at the university level is an achievement. Along with that a certain level of maturity is expected. Therefore, I beileve that academic freedom, whether expressed through speech, writings, etc should not be limited. If that was the case, the whole idea of diversifying students through the exchange of ideas would be lost. The students who come from different background, or from ethnic backgrounds with bad stigmas they would be afraid to speak out on controversial issues. Secondly, professors should not be obligated to teach according to U.S. foreign policy,or really for that matter according to or consistent with American culture. This question is a little harder to tackle because I beileve that their are already to many guidelines as to what is proper for students to learn. If the professor is teachin something consistent with U.S. foreign policy and it aids he learning process on whatever the subject is fine, and vice versa with American culture. As for Salaita and the publicity over Edward Said's death, i think he makes a valid point. Had Said been any other well-known white scholar there would have been tv publications on his life, celebrations, etc to honor his life. this wasn't the case for Said and in fact some of the publications on him slandered his name a little. So I don't think he was being to sensitive; however, I do think he should look at the situation from a another point of view. Had Americans blew up part of the palestenian gov't, or part of one of their major cities, most of the citizens and socities would be flooded with american racism. And if an american dignitary who lived much of his life in palestine died, he would have faced much of the same treatment. (this is personal opinion) In addition, I think the issues Salaita addresses are important but the reality of it is racism is a deep rooted element in america and is not going anywhere, and americans are still upset about the 9/11 attacks.
Hi All,
I love the comments so far. It seems you've spent some time thinking about this.
Teaching at a school or university can often be challenging when confronting the status quo. First, you need to consider that professors are subject to the scrutiny of their department chairs, administration, and ultimately top donors and board members for their schools. Many schools walk a fine line between what they consider to be academic freedom and perpetuation of propaganda. Often times the truth lies in the middle, or is in the eye of the beholder.
Likewise, students in school come from a wide variety of backgrounds and may not immediately respond well to learning something completely different from what they've been taught before.
Keep this challenging balancing act in mind as you continue the posts. Keep up the good work!
I think that academic freedom shouldn't be limited, mainly because everyone doesn't get that equal opportunity which is just the same as equal rights. This is something like what most African-American's fought for in the mid-1950's. Is this what universities and other colleges want to remake. I do think that teachers do have that obligation to teach that way and any other way they want. The real question is, is it right. No it's not right, because this way of teaching can mostly be targeted at people who aren't from America. That tachnique can be used to drive away those type of people, which also somewhat takes away from equal rights. I think that when Salaita wrote this book he wrote just from his point of view, which was just like the rough-draft. Then I guess he revised it and seen how some of examples in the book he uses could be offensive and changed some of it. But in the end I think he still wanted his point to get across so he left some of it in. So some of the subjects he uses in the book that are "sensitive" are only there to help get his point across.
Academic freedoms should not be restricted in any form or fashion as long as the material being studied pertains and/or relates to the core subject area and that activities associated with the lesson do not infringe on others’ personal property and rights – remaining peaceful under the statues of the law. The job of academic institutions is to help develop the minds of the students they serve – giving them the opportunity to draw their own personal conclusions on the material being presented to them – allowing them to become critical thinkers.
The American education system, in some form, has lacked a full understanding of the philosophy stated above. That is why America is being surpassed by nations that once envied the bright and innovative minds she produced.
American students are no longer being taught to be critical thinkers – allowing them to face world issues and solve them without hesitation. It is the reason why American students no longer actively participate in math and science programs.
Instead, the education system has become a platform for teachers to recite information out of a politically biased textbook and for students to retain that information and be able to regurgitate those facts, dates, and equations on quizzes and test that have no real life purpose.
Therefore, institution claiming to have the best interest of students at the forefront of its foundation should not limit themselves to one sided lessons where students do not have the opportunity to explore the subject matter and draw his/her own conclusion or view of the area of study. Then again, as educated people, we should know that there are always some biases presented in the information given to us. It is up to us to decipher what we believe as fact and seek out answers to any questions we have. This is the United States of America where we have a Constitution that protects us against others who try to limit our thoughts. Stop being a baby if you feel something’s integrity is not justifiable and stand up and call it out!!
I agree with Rae. I'm completely against limitations on academic lessons or political views in universities. I feel why cover up something that the real world isn't going to do. That's like sending someone into war with an unloaded gun. I mean isn't that what college is about, learning about the society you live in and how you can fit into it also.
The simple fact to limit your knowledge in college only to protect what your government is doing is also wrong. If the government was doing what is best for the people of this nation then there shouldn't be anything to hide. The Bush administration should be proud of what is being done and not hide behind people to change the next generation's perspective of their country.
Overall I feel its morally wrong to limit someone's knowledge who put their trust in the Bush administartion to govern the land in which they live in. Like I said before I agree with Rae, its a violation to our first amendment.
I TOTALLY agree with damani Academic freedoms should not be restricted on any levels. But the material should be taught to a mature audience. I feel that if such detail information such racism against Arabs in the university is being taught to 5th and 6th graders they will run with the information and interpret it the wrong way.
Teaching Students about foreign material in college is something that will help student learn and think logically and outside of the box.
If students are not aware of what’s going on in the real world how are they going to come up with a honest individual view on the world that they live. There not. Because they are going to be using mislead information picked up from the streets which in my opinion is ignorant.
Salaita is a true witness of what can actually happen when you're not exposed to other cultures.
Teachers should not sugarcoat anything. AS long as this information is being conveyed too a mature audience then as a mature audience they should be able to understand and create some reasoning out the controversy that is taking place
I do not believe that academic freedom in universities should be limited at all. In fact, I believe that college professors need to take advantage of this and teach students as much as they can about EVERYTHING. Don't leave anything out. I believe that as an American, I am obligated to know who makes up America and where they came from even if they are Arab. Professors shouldn't be scared to educate us on the Arabs because some people hate them so much. Everyday, children around the world learn about the African American culture, Hispanic culture, European culture, chinese culture, etc. Why should it be different for Arabs. If we learn about these Arab American culture it is more likely that we understand more of their background and why they came here. I don't think we would be as discriminating as we are now!
Thou shall not have any limits to teaching! Several professors teach irrelevant information to students. I agree with several students on this behalf! The hesitation to informing srudents with relevant information shall be limited. Due to the problems which individuals face, there shall not be any restrictions to open opinions within classes. Majority of the education taught is sugar coding the bigger picture in life. I strongly disagree with the idea that education shall be limited. One's opinion is the first step to achievement!
To have limited academic freedom in schools is taking away the freedom to learn that minorities fought so hard for. If academic freedom was limited it seems that America hasn’t left that intellectually superior mindset that says they are smarter than minority races. In most schools and maybe universities also textbooks and most documentation are used to make America seem like they are the good guy in most situations.
If universities were limited academically it would cause more close minded and ignorant people rather than open minded intellectual beings that know and understand history from all perspectives and angles. That’s when history is the most interesting, when all points of views are taught. It isn’t fun or fair to learn anything if it’s only through the spectrum of America.
Being at Lindblom and not using textbooks in my history classes has made me appreciate the value of an education that doesn’t focus on minorities in certain months of the year, or don’t glorify Christopher Columbus as some savior to America. If I can receive this type of non limited academic freedom then all people of all ethnicities should be able to in any and all schools and universities.
Much of the ignorance and false information that people hold today come from the teachings in schools. I don’t believe that any school or universities should be limited on what they are to teach. I do believe though that a teacher must teach different spectrums of history. Many different people go through many different obstacles but only a few voices are being heard. If a teacher only goes on about his or her culture and how it’s being put down then that student will only know that. It is important for teachers to tell the whole story because then the student is left to make his or her own beliefs about the certain topic. If the teacher is only teaching one side then that student will only be left to know that piece of information and may never know the truth. Telling a teacher what he or she must teach is going against all of our “American values” and amendment of freedom of speech. How can one expect for a teacher to talk poorly about their own race just because other people are ignorant and don’t see the full picture. I believe teachers need to tell all the sides because its not right for them to take the opportunity for a student to look through a new window and make their own decisions because no one took that teachers right to learn so students shouldn’t be denied that opportunity either.
Academic freedom should not be limited in universities, because it takes away from the life of an "American". According to the Constitution, Amendment 1 states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."This means that there should never be a time where one is unable to speak study or practice freedom in the United States of America. Freedom is one of the many possible reasons that Arabs and many other immigrants have moved to America. This is supposed to be what America promises to every citizen. If that is limited, one can be limited to speak up on important issues that may need to be solved for their culture or religion as a whole. There may be times when there’s a debate or meetings or whether or not to consider a certain type of people, where their voice would be important. If academic freedom is limited, so can ones confidence be inside or outside of school.
I do believe that professors have an obligation to teach students in a manner consistent with "American culture" or U. S. foreign policy, because if they don't, who else will? Every citizen and especially student has the right to know about their "culture" and/or policies relating to foreign or domestic issues. We would be looked at funny or even as an enemy if we were to go around speaking in a way that would offend or take away from what the U.S. has set for us to believe. On the other hand however, I do also suggest the professor leaves an open mind for conversation of other cultures and/or policies. If this does not occur, I feel that one can be "brainwashed" with the American ways. Consistency usually resembles one to be trustworthy, and in the 21st century, education is everything. If one does not encounter the "right" education, he/she can be open to failure or develop a misunderstanding of the place which they reside. American culture is what we go by in the United States, and as a natural born citizen, that is what we're taught. "American culture" and/or U.S. foreign policy are the most important facts one should know. If you go back in history, and still take at look at today, these are the most controversial and important topics that change often, but everyone continues to follow.
I do not believe Salaita is being too sensitive. One, because this book is from his point of view; by him being an author, considering his race and culture, he has all the right to be sensitive about the subject that he’s writing about. Sometimes, explaining situations may go overboard, but in terms of sensitivity, I don’t think that he goes too far. In this chapter especially, he talks about experience and logical things. His writing in the book is more toward ethos than anything, and at times, his ethological patterns capture the reader (me) to see thing s in a different point of view (his). It may be better however at times, to explain or touch on the topic in different ways so that he won’t come off as being sensitive or too personal. Overall, in Chapter Four, I personally would not consider him being too personal.
I think that academic freedom in universities should not be limited because it derives students of diversity and it infringes the rights granted to people the constitution which grants people with the right to say, write, and publish what they please. A major part of the college experience is learning about different cultures and being around different people. I don’t think that academic freedom should be limited at any level of education. Because when this happens students are only taught one way of thinking. An example of this is my elementary school education. Similar to a story mentioned above, I was taught that Columbus discovered America and that he was such a great man. I didn’t hear the real story until high school. Neither university professors nor elementary school teachers should have an obligation to teacher students in a manner that is consistent with “American culture” or foreign policy. Teachers are supposed to teach all elements history, so that students can make up their minds for themselves. Professors should only present information to the students and not try to impose their beliefs. It is the students’ job to make up their minds for themselves. I think that Salaita’s arguments in this chapter are very relevant and they are not too sensitive. I think that this type of racism happens to all people.
Salaita’s analysis’s of the media coverage of Said’s death was expected from Americans.
When researching him I would be sure to look at writers who are not all American and who do not all hold the same point of view on Said. If I did that then I would only get the negative side of the story. I realize that Americans are still upset over 9/11 but its wrong to categorize all Arabs as terrorist and to treat them the way that they are treated.
Academic freedom should not be limited in universities. To be allowed to teach what you want to teach as long as your getting across a message is ok because you have that right to do so based on your first amendment right. If peolpe believe that you are being one sided on your topic then that is ok because everyone is entitled to there opinion. Professors should be allowed to teach what they please as long as it is in he means of the class. If they are teaching Arab history then they should teach Arab history, all of it. Not just the good things about nor just the bad things. That is one of the problems in education today that we always get a one sided view on things and we never get to see the other side of things.
I unfortunately have to diagree with my fellow classmates and say that academic freedom should not be allowed in schools. I do not think teacherd should have to the right to teach students whatever they want. That's is why we have rules and regulations so they can be followed. Students should not be taught a lesson just because the techer decided to talk about that certain topic that day. I also think that U.S foreign policies should be taught in schools, so we can get be kowledgeable on the Uniited States and other countries.I did not think that Salaita was "too sensitive" in this chapter. I also looked up fifth column and it was a term rhat was orginated vy nationalist general Emilio Milo it was used when the general radoied to another leader that he had a fifth column of soliders waiting.
Academic freedom shouldn't be limited at all. It's all about what the student wants to learn and about what they should learn. However, I don't think that the universities have an obligation to teach students in way that is consistent with American Culture. College is where you broaden your mind. It's not the same as high-school where you only hear one side of the matter. It's about understanding what both sides mean. It's up to the student to decide whether or not he/she wants to take in both matters. At times Mr. Salaita does get to sensitive in this chapter however, not without a good reason. This is an issue most important to him because he was a graduate student and now he is a professor. He understands what it's like. Who wouldn't be sensitive about that?
Academic freedom shouldn't be limited in universities. We should be able to say what we want since we have the freedom of speech and not get in trouble for it. Yes professors have an obligation to teach students in a manner consistent with "American Culture" because that can be their style of teaching, as long as they are not breaking the rules of the school and school system, professors have an obligation to teach anyway they want. I feel that Salaita is always sensitive, who doesn't get sensitive when their race is being attacked or looked down on. He is just expressing his feelings and nothing is wrong with that. He may be annoying with his sensitivity, but he has a right to feel like that after all what he experience.
I think there should be academmic freedom in schools because if there aren't any then college realkly is ground zero. This is only keeping the schools partiotic. If they are limited in the information that is taught then that would limit the information they would know.
Hello, All:
I have enjoyed reading these comments; you are obviously a class filled with careful and intelligent thinkers, and I'm thrilled that you have an opportunity to learn a little about Edward Said, a world-class thinker, and discuss these complicated issues.
I agree with everything that has been said here, but I'm interested in a comment blue makes:
"I unfortunately have to diagree with my fellow classmates and say that academic freedom should not be allowed in schools. I do not think teacherd should have to the right to teach students whatever they want. That's is why we have rules and regulations so they can be followed. Students should not be taught a lesson just because the techer decided to talk about that certain topic that day."
Although I'm a very strong believer in academic freedom, and would hate for it to be limited, I do wonder if there needs to be a limit sometimes.
For example: what if a professor wants to teach something racist, like in favor of white supremacy? Or something sexist, that tells students that women are inferior to men?
Should this professor have the freedom to do so?
I feel as though academic freedom should not be limited in universities. If academic freedom is limited then the student wouldn't be receiving all of the information that they should be receiving. Teachers should be teaching the whole story with its the many sides. If not, one would be limiting the student from a education that they are paying for and they wouldn't want to be wasting their money. This is America and we do have the freedom of speech to say what we want. I don't feel as though Mr. Salitia is not getting to sensitive because he has experienced this such as many young Arab Americans are today. He is just expressing his feelings about the situation.
I don't agree with Salaita that universities are "ground zero" for teaching anti-Arab racism. Higher education was created to explore new and innovative ways of thinking for mature adults. Not even in high school will the subject matter being taught be comfortable for every student. I think that Salaita is being too sensitive on this subject. College professors don't have an obligation to teach students based on "American culture", but they do have an obligation to guide the students to explore new avenues of thinking.
Professors shouldn't teach their own personal veiws because this gives students only one perspective of history which is the total opposite of how history should be taught. Since history has so many different points-of-view, students should be allowed to explore each. Many history books that teachers are teaching out of give one perspective of what happened. The goal of a University is to broaden its students' horizons, not to make them think a certain way, but to educate them.
I don't think academics should be limitedin colleges or universities because one should be taught the whole truth about a subject. Being taught everything gives one a chance to interpret in their own way, formulate their own conclusion about that subject, and be able to talk about that certain subject with their own point of veiw. America accepts these Arabs and Muslims so why not treat them like regular Americans and teach them the same as anyone else? The media has put fear in Americans of Arabs but that shouldn't be used as a reason to limit the studies. Plus in college im hoping that the students are mature enough to discuss or learn any subject. Teachers have the obligation to teach in U.S. foreign policy therefore why are Arabs being cut short of their education? I believe his arguments are very good and very arguable but I still think he being a little sensitive because when he talks about how the media portrayed Edward Said. The media does that with everyone no matter what race. They criticize people in a way that it always arguable. It is racism but just look at it as that's how the media is and always been.
In thinking back on the "American Culture" there has always been a vague spot about it. Some stories in history have always been altered to make the United States seem so holy and upright, while others prove to show the Americans as their naturally greedy and ignorant selves. Academic freedom should not be limited because then there wouldn't be more than one view or way to interpret something.
If there wasn't academic freedom would we have known that Columbus wasn't the great explorer our textbooks had perceived him to be? I don’t think so. Academic freedom gives the student the right to learn the whole truth about the past, the history of our ancestors, and the trials and tribulations it took for us to be the civilization we are today. Having only one perspective doesn’t give the mind a chance to think and leaves it to believe in this one interpretation; the person will never have another perspective to go off of which means that they will be just what the government wants them to be, a race of people who don’t ask questions or interpret the laws for themselves. They will become that “perfect” race who abides and agrees with everything the government says/does and that isn’t always the best solution because the government doesn’t always have our best interest, for education, at hand.
Academic freedoms should not be limited in any way for the students of the universities. When professors are explaining a certain topic to the entire class, the students should be taught everything there is to know about the topic. The students pay a lot of money to go to college, so they shouldn't be cheated out of their education. There is a huge difference between what is being taught in grammer school or even high school then in universities where everyone is mature enough to learn the topic at hand without the professor leaving anything out. As for Salaita, he may be too sensitive at times on some things, but it is way too easy to declare this. The examples of racism in the universities are very true, and it would be way different if we were placed into the shoes of those certain students who were discriminated against. It's easy to say Salaita is too sensitive when we haven't experienced the reality of discrimination in the classrooms of the universities.
HECK NO academic freedom in universities shouldn’t be limited. That’s like limited the knowledge that an individual can obtain. Do I think what a professors says should be limited? No. Do I think that the professor should have an open mind and be respectful of the many cultures and races that may be present in his class? Yes. The reason majority go off to college is to further their education not to sit in a class where they know their not getting the whole story and experience. There may be times where your college professor shows that he is strong about McCain being the next president of the United States but that’s his opinion, and as a human he is allowed that opinion.. As individuals no matter what prejudice or bias information we may receive from some one such as a professor it’s our own responsibility to accept it or say “hey, I don’t really agree with that” and research more. Seeing that there is no limit to what should be taught both “American culture” and U.S. foreign policy can be taught or not taught. THERE ARE NO LIMITATIONS TO WHAT THE MIND CAN BE FEED!!!!
If academic freedom is limited everyone would be blind and ignorant to the "real world". Not only the real world but the life around you lie "rae" said if you're not taught about other cultures or other ways of life you would be considered racist, anti-Semitic, or non-chalant to another race/ culture. Not purposely but simply because you don't know how to be flexible! Being taught only the American way of life, would also be absurd because, of all of the other religions, traditions, cultures, and backgrounds we have here in America.
Academic freedom should not be limited because not everything is one sided. People are only becoming more ignorant by not knowing the multiple perspectives of various topics. People are growing into things that ones ignorance put them through and this shouldn't be happening. Everyone has the right to know about everything from multiple perspectives that way they know more about what they do and why they do it. This can make a huge difference in the world we live in now, for some people it is already to late because they are determined to stick to their perspectives. Even though everyone is not the same they can still have similar thoughts which can bring out even more perspectives. Racism is something created by the ignorance of white people because if they think they are helping anyone by abusing another race they are just plain stupid.
I dont believe that the academic freedom in universities should be limited as well as the rest of my class mates. Reason being is because we the people are granted the freedom of speech in which is the first amendment of the constitution. I disagree with the idea of granting the people the first amendment and them not being able to execute that amendment. I think the argument put forth was a really good argument and was really affective to his audience of the book.
Students should not have a limit to what they can learn. Knowledge is the beauty of education the more you know the better, the more perspectives you hear and learn from the more your mind is develop. Who has the right to put a limitation to what students should learn in school or in this case in college? Nobody does and nobody should implement the authority to do so. In college you have a variety of backgrounds and with that a range of opinion and beliefs. I think Mr. Salaita makes great points as to why he feels that students are being deprived of an education. College life should not be an experience where students have to experience fear of speaking out and in response being accused of terrorists or simply being ignored. There should be academic freedom in all schools. What is the point of everybody learning and agreeing with the same subject? Exactly there is no point so why practice it. In away it seems that professors are depriving students form learning both sides, and instead just want to teach the side in which they belief in.
I have to disagree with a lot of people on here and that is with the limiting of academic freedom.. I do feel that at times academic freedom should be limited for the mere fact as Mr. Steven also said teachers or professors that feel a certain way about something will preach or teach to persuade others as to feel the same way. Especially in universities and college is it best to limit because most of the issues that start controversies in the world are leaked out by colleges who feel a certain because that is what they were taught.
Um.. although i believe in limited academic freedom.. I do certainly feel that professors should at times teach the truth about "american culture" and about the U.S. foreign policy. We should be told more things about the government..
I believe that academic freedom in universities shouldn't be limited. For the simple reason I agree totally with Rae, The first amendment clearly states that you'll have freedom of speech. If we dont have the right to say whatever we please, they why should we have a law that supports our idea. Im not giving anyone the permission to say and or do whatever they please, but Im saying were not free if our words are still in chains. Or if or words are still controlled by our "masters". Besides. these are adults were talking about, if they cant take discrimination they cant take life. throughout your life you will experience a lot of discrimination the way you handle it shows your level of maturity.
I believe that academic freedom should not be limited. I say this because teachers have the right to teach whatever they want to teach. And considering that college students are suppose to be mature and able to handle one's own opinion and others. Also teachers can say what they feel. They have an right to their own opinion, whether it's something you want to hear or not it is still an opinion. I honestly don't believe that steve is being sensitive, i just think that he is very serious about that topic
I totally disagree with his argument. Salatia is again being too sensitive. Im sorry but it is the truth. Academic Freedom is the reason why we can have influential classes like Humanities, African-American History and Urban Studies (where the last two are not taught by African Americans). Like Rae said, Academic Freedom is supported by the first amendment. By limiting Academic Freedom, we would be contradicting that amendment, and if we do that what else could we contradict from the constitution? I think that Salatia has a point that some of this racism comes from out of the classrooms, but as far as it being "Ground Zero", I absolutely disagree. "Ground Zero" was the attack on "Ground Zero".
Aaron,
I think you missed the point. Have you read through the blog? Salaita supports academic freedom, and argues in favor of it in his book. He did pose the question, however, what if instructors or students used academic freedom to promote racist ideology? Should those perpetrators have their freedoms restricted?
I don’t believe that academic freedom in universities should be limited because there is a difference between opinions and facts. Teachers should teach facts and give their opinion when/and if needed. Keep in mind this is America and based upon that America’s policies should be kept in mind when teaching to students. Salaita is too sensitive, Arabs aren’t the only race that gets mistreated, and yes it’s true they get over looked, but hey that’s life, he needs to toughen up. I understand the topic hits home with him because he's been through it but he should still man up.
I do not think that education should limited in any way. As long as everything is factual and can be proven, it should be taught. Not teaching students all that there is to know doesn't benifit them at all. All it does is leave them ignorant to information. The only time that teching all knowledge should be given a second thought is if it will single out certain people in the class to a point where they no longer feel like the class is a bout the subject at hand, but about them.
I don’t think that academic freedom should be limited or else it would not be academic freedom. It this county we do have the freedom of speech which means that we don’t have to go by what the rules; we can say what ever we want to. I believe that it is any teacher’s responsibility to teach. Teachers have the most contact with people though out growing up and for some it is the only sense of an adult knowing right form wrong that they have. Even in college students meet people that have a major impact on their lives. I don’t think that universities should only stick to American culture or only one certain area of study because the world is so much bigger than that. Students should be educated on all fronts because you never know where life may take you. As for Mr. Salatia I think that he is sensitive when it comes to situations that he has faced in the past. I feel that he should not only see the bad but tale into account the good that came form it to avoid the story becoming one sided.
I believe that academic freedom should not be limited in universities. I say this because teachers should have the right to teach about any topic as long as it is not hurtful to certain person of a different race, culture or religion. What I am saying is that teachers should teach about the original topic without teaching their opinion. Students should be able to form their own opinion based by the information that the teacher has taught them. I feel that professors have an obligation to teach students in a manner that is consistent with American culture because if they taught them in a way that was consistent with U.S. foreign policy then you will only be getting one side of the argument. I don't believe that Salaita was being too sensitive in his argument because these are the problems that he faced these same problems when he was in college.
Academic freedom should never be limited. Learning is the key purpose of school (so they say) and should never be limited under any circumstances.
No. Professors do not have an obligation to teach any specific thing any specific way. Students have an obligation to make sure they also research the topic and can form their own opinions.
“I have yet to meet an Arab who hasn’t experienced some form of discrimination or harassment in the United States.”
I have yet to meet a person who hasn’t experienced some form of discrimination or harassment in the United States.
“My wife, whose maiden name is Housein, was refused a promising job because the prospective employee was worried that she might somehow be related to Saddam.”
They do that to everyone who has a name related to a wide known criminal.
I strongly believe that academic freedom in universities should be limited. I understand our 1st amendment, but people/professors can use that amendment as an excuse to cross that line of "freedom of speech" to hate crimes. If theres going to be a limitation, let it be restrictions on strong opinions towards religion and nationalities; because they don't know who's sitting in their classroom.
Should academic freedom in schools be limited? No, but yet the vast majority are where in CPS the midddle school students since elementary schools are taught the the Eurocentric perspective of "Christopher Columbus discovering the New World" eliminating or silencing the lives and cultures of Native Americans/ Indians who lived here long before.
Of course professors/teachers have an obligation to emlighten all students passed the traditional brainwashing lessons that don't question what historians have written in text.
Professors should teach students according to American Culture, though it cant not be categorize, but covers all mixed cultures of America - which arrive from all over this world. Us Foreign Policy is to limit the 'foreign' immigrants, but clearly can not pretend that their lives dont exist or are not effected by american culture, so why shouldn't a student be educated according to the full extent of the American culture.
I would have to agree that Salita's diction is much too sensitive, yet I'm
impressed by his purpose. As a academic and acute writer, maybe the caution of being seen as angry or radical keeps the ethos subtle in his
novel.
I don't think that academic freedom in universities and colleges should be limited because that would make our 1st amendment right irrelevant. What's the point of having the right if it can't be used. I believe that all students should have academic freedom and be able to express whatever they feel necessary to express. Thier expressions can teach thier peers about things they never knew and things that thier teachers and professors don't teach them because thier too busy teaching them around what's really going on and instilling in them the "American education". I believe that students learn from thier peers the most anyway and if they can't express themselves openly without academic limitations then whats the point.
Post a Comment