The title to this post is not actually a Ghandi quote, but it’s sort of what he was getting at, in a way. I am not going to steal it, so there’s the attribution, but the attribution is actually to a poor translation.
That said, I want to reflect for a bit on where we are in the world, where the academy is, where we’re all going, etc.
I’ve been on an interesting ride the last few years, one made particularly more visceral by the fact that I’ve started actually sharing thoughts here for whatever audience pops by to take a look at and consider. I’ve had days of celebration, days of pessimism, days of offering advice, etc.
Today, I just want to share my exasperation. I’ve been working harder-than-ever since the semester started, trying to prove myself worthy of the position I was worthy of years ago. And while sometimes I get home and like tonight I’m just spent from working, but I do the work with a smile because I know it’s necessary.
The fact of the matter is that in the end, there might only be one truth in this world. You get out what you put in. I’ve said that here before, but let me give it another tilt– if you expect anything to ever get better you have to put yourself on the line and you have to make actual changes.
People don’t like to change. It’s scary. And people don’t want to rock the boat because it’s dangerous and you expose yourself to damage to do the right thing.
But it’s the only way.
I am so, so fucking tired of other academics, particularly when representing organizations and institutions, making their claims that they thought really hard about the state of things but that “now, more than ever” (that line is always there) they must do the exact same thing they’ve always done.
You’re all cowards.
There, I said it. I said the thing I’ve been thinking for years. You talk a good game about diversity, about inclusion, about accessibility, but at the end of the day you don’t DO anything. You TALK.
Sticks and stones are used to break bones but your words are just hurting us.
If you’re an academic organization and you want a second of my time, or a shred of my respect, you better at least try. Maybe you mess up. But if you keep doing what you did to get us here, you’re absolutely worthless. Your complacency led to a world where we have the leadership we have, the policies we have, and it looks like we might have this problem for a long, long time.
I won’t waste a second on you. You’re not worth it.
And if you’re asking why I’d even bother to write up a “hater” post, it’s because I know how many other people feel this way but won’t say it. I want to take this little risk and hope they’ll find their voices, too.
If you’re looking for me, I’ll be the guy trying to actually make a difference.
And I’m a big man. If I “throw shade” on you, that’s your daily reminder that you’re veiled in darkness. It’s not my fault the truth casts a big shadow.