Professors think they know everything.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

First post here. Been lurking around some, not to sure about posting. But today, I got so pissed off and have been fuming ALL DAY to anyone who will listen.

So, recently we've been talking in this comm about the pains of being a conservative college student. I got a really acute example of that today.

One, I'm a journalism student. It's super tough every day because as you guys well know, journalism is one of the most leftward-leaning professions out there. I get to hear my viewpoints mocked almost all the time at work and in classes.

Last semester I had one professor that I thought was exceptional in keeping politics out of class. Then I have an ethics class with him this semester. He's started making here-and-there liberal comments.

Today, I got walloped in the face.

We were discussing whether or not we would publish the name of an illegal immigrant mother if she gave birth to the first baby of the new year.

Somehow, he effectively went into a 15-minute rant in which he said:

-"You may not believe it, but what do most people believe about immigrants? That they're taking jobs away from Americans and that they're all criminals, especially Mexicans, which seems to be synonymous with drug-runners." (Nevermind the fact that, by definition, being an ILLEGAL immigrant DOES mean you're a criminal.)
-anyone who supports strict immigration laws is racist against Hispanics and abhors Mexicans and is thus completely backward
-the Arizona law is the epitome of racism because it means cops can ask any random person of brown skin for papers and deport them if they don't have them; and that "some crazy lawmakers" want to make the same thing happen in Florida
-"People who support immigration laws are making it very difficult to be a brown person. It's a sad reality, but it's a tough time to be brown in America right now." (what the hell does he think about Marco Rubio, I wonder?)
-everyone "outside the liberal multicultural haven of a university" (i.e. conservatives) thinks all Muslims are terrorists

This greatly offended me because I am a die-hard conservative and believe very strongly in strict immigration laws, but I: am obsessed Hispanic cultures and especially Mexicans, the first guy I dated (also a friend) is a legal resident alien from Mexico, had a roommate and close friend who is Cuban refugee turned naturalized citizen, and have an aunt who's adopting two young Guatemalan girls whose birth mother is being deported. Additionally, I'm very much a conservative Christian but my favorite actor is a Muslim.

Clearly I am the COMPLETE opposite of what he said! How DARE he stand up there and preach to me about how wrong "my" stereotypes are when he's obviously stereotyping me?!

So now my dilemma is whether I go to his office and TELL HIM that he offended me, or sit down and take it because as much as I'd like to believe he's above messing with my grades, I also believed he was above using politics in the classroom.

Because I don't want to blow this out of proportion, but at the same time I'm entirely sick of sitting down and taking insults right to my face.

EDIT:

The following is an e-mail I sent to my professor:
Hi professor L,

(some questions about our upcoming midterm)

Also, I wanted to let you know that some of your comments in lecture yesterday about immigration offended me. As someone who has family who work for Border Patrol and someone who supports immigration laws (including Arizona’s), I resent the implication that my beliefs are “making it hard to be a brown person in America right now.” Just because I believe in immigration laws and deporting illegal immigrants does not mean I dislike Hispanics or Mexicans. I have many Hispanic friends that I love dearly, including a friend who is a legal resident alien from Mexico and a roommate and close friend who is a naturalized citizen originally from Cuba.

Additionally, as someone who considers herself outside of the “liberal multicultural setting of the university,” I resent the assumption that I am a member of that community and the implication that “most of America” outside of that community is prejudiced against Hispanics and Muslims.

I don’t understand how an argument in favor of writing stories that break stereotypes can be based on a generalization about the beliefs of “most of America” or most of America “outside of the liberal multicultural setting of the university.” Forgive me if I’m wrong, but that seems fairly stereotypical to me.

EDIT TWO:

For all of that, this was his response:
"Caitlin,

Thanks for the comments. I apologize."

Comments

[fairytiger.livejournal.com]

There are so many things wrong with this, I hardly know where to begin.

"People who support immigration laws are making it very difficult to be a brown person."

Wait, did he actually say "brown" person? How is that not offensive?

I absolutely support you saying something to him. The reason he thinks he's allowed to say things like that is because he's been getting away with it for too long. 99% of his students probably agree with him and therefore never challenge him. If nothing else, you speaking up will make him think twice about making sweeping generalizations.

The important thing will be to not get visibly upset or emotional, because then he can just write you off as being too sensitive.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

He definitely said "brown person." And no, he is NOT a brown person. He is definitely white. I think he was trying (and failing) to make the point that other races can be mistaken for Hispanic.

And I decided to send him an e-mail rather than confront him to his face. I figured knowing myself, I'd start shouting "HOW FUCKING DARE YOU" at him. See edits above.

I really hope if nothing else I made him think.

[dark-weezing.livejournal.com]

On behalf of White males everywhere, I'll go ahead and apologize for that guy. "He does not speak to me or my race/gender." Heh. Just saying.

Glad it worked out, though.

[coldblossom.livejournal.com]

Welcome to the comm!!

If I were in your situation, I would probably shut up and take it and then rant about it in a "safe environment." But that's more because I'm non-confrontational and don't like getting my name out there that way, y'know? That doesn't make what he said excusable, though. Maybe you could send him an email? If it's not OK to make racial/gender stereotypes, then why would it be OK to make political stereotypes and for a professor to teach these (uninformed, no less) stereotypes as "fact" to his class.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

Oh, trust me, I did sit there and take it, and as soon as I got out I ranted about it to ANYBODY who would listen. But I decided that I was sick of taking this stuff sitting down, so I sent him an e-mail (included it above).

[moony88.livejournal.com]

I've been facing a similar situation for the last four years. I'm a film student in Arizona, of all places. It's hard. Especially when you realize that you're the only conservative in the room. And I'm not even hard-core, I always tell people at school that I'm Republican-lite. It's really up to you and the relationship you have with the teacher whether you feel it's worth it to go talk to him or just grin and bear it. I was lucky a few times with teachers that I could go and talk to, when I did that I was very calm and was kind of like "Look, I understand that the majority of the room is more to the left, but when things devolve into a political debate that ends with name calling, I'm not okay with that. I'm not a democrat or a liberal." And sometimes that goes over well, I had one teacher who would pull me aside sometimes after class if things had gotten heated and apologize that things got out of hand. I'm not one who debates, I try to keep quiet and just get through it, because there's no point in arguing with people who so blatantly disagree and aren't going to concede any point.

I had another teacher that I'm actually really good friends with and one day this kid in my class and I were off doing group work and he started saying all these things about republicans and how everyone on the right is racist. And I finally said something to which he told me to "shut the f-up." I got up and left the room, because I'll take a lot of things but I won't be spoken to like that. Well after class someone said something to the teacher and he asked me to explain what happened. And I started to explain the gist of it and he cut me off and said "Oh, were you expelling the wisdom of Glenn Beck?" That was actually the only time I've ever gotten smart with a teacher.

And there's a teacher now who gets up and goes on about how evil capitalism controls Hollywood. Right after those speeches he mentions the big plasma tv he recently got and how he's publishing a book soon. It takes everything in me to not stand up and scream "hypocrite!" Then today we were talking about LA and he asked "what does LA have a huge quantity of?" and a few people answered "Illegal immigrants." To which he replied "illegal, legal, no real difference." UHM?

It's hard and it really really sucks to have to hesitate like this when you've been offended. But it really is a matter of the factors. Your relationship with the teacher, if he seems like the kind who would take it out on your grade. I'd suggest waiting and see if it happens again, if it becomes a trend, I would definitely say something.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

Being the natural smartass that I am, I almost raised my hand in class and asked, "Um, I'm sorry, what is the relevance of this to ethics in journalism? And can you explain to me how your argument against 'most of America' using stereotypes doesn't use stereotypes?"

I actually get the double whammy in classes because I'm a journalism and English double major. And usually I just brush it off, whatever, but UM, insulting me and calling me racist to my face?! I draw the line there.

And there's a teacher now who gets up and goes on about how evil capitalism controls Hollywood.
Um, wtf? Does he know anything about Hollywood??? Hollywood is about as far from right as it gets.

And how in the world can a professor get away with letting another student do that to you? Um, I would have gone to the department.

[moony88.livejournal.com]

I know! Hollywood is capitalism in it's purist form! And I'm pretty sure that a good deal of the $80 I spent to buy the used text book that he wrote didn't go towards charity or any other social program. Pretty sure it went towards a new BluRay disc.

He dealt with the other student afterwards. I some how manage to keep my smart ass gene in control with teachers. With the student I got into it with, I didn't. He was in the middle of saying that no other president has ever been threatened with violence like Obama has. And I was just like "Excuse me? I'm pretty sure Lincoln, Kennedy, and Garfield would beg to differ."

Complaining to the department does nothing. Every office in the film department had these little "Yes we did!" cards in them after the election. I complained about one teacher I had who spent an entire class period showing us Obama videos and then spent 10 minutes on McCain which just lead to people making fun of him. She then said "Are there any republicans who would like to come up and defend their point of view?" Which, in a class room of 200, where only about 4 people are to the right, is like asking "who would like to come over and bend over so we can just throw things at them and verbally berate them." I said something to the advisor for the major and all she said was "Oh... we've had a few complaints about her before."

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

I don't understand why people are so convinced that Obama's hated on more than any other president. Clearly -- CLEARLY -- that is not the case.

And that is terrible! How could someone say that? Why should anyone have to "defend" their point of view? What the hell happened to freedom? And idk if your university has this, but our university also has a Dean of Students office where we can report things going on with teachers. It's not as biased or close-knit as the department.

[mprice.livejournal.com]

I love how Liberals proclaim that stereotypes = prejudice = wrong. Then they go on a tirade chock full of stereotypes.

I got this in a tweet from someone I don't even know that was apparently in response to a comment I left somewhere. (I won't include my replies, which were mostly -- huh? Do I know you?)
Tweet #1: Please don't bring that racist republican stuff up in here. Nobody asked you for your racism.

Tweet#2: Clearly Republicans are #racist for their stances on immigration and jihad. Hate wrapped in the mantle of public policy

Tweet #3:I don't know what gum you got tangled in your hair, but don't take your transparent, rabid bigotry out on me. Ok sister? Sheesh.

Tweet #4:What I DO know about you is that you're a Republican. And ALL Republicans are racist. Ergo, you're a bigot.

Tweet #5: Judging by your default, you probably support Israel as a pretext with which to mask your hate of Muslims & Arabs.

[hannahsarah.livejournal.com]

Whoa, that last one was just - I don't even. Wow.

[mprice.livejournal.com]

The icon I used is the same one I have for twitter.

I'm thinking of replying that I could probably hate them, but that would require my first having to actually care about this assclown.

[hannahsarah.livejournal.com]

These days, I'm just too weary to deal with people like that. All I can do is daven more and be the best person I can be.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

omg, wtf. A liberal would say that.

[hannahsarah.livejournal.com]

I can tell you how the liberal script would go. "You have Stockholm Syndrome. You've been brainwashed by whitey, racism is institutional, you are benefiting from the system, and you are a traitor to your brown heritage."

[hannahsarah.livejournal.com]

I used to be married to man who is black/hispanic mixed. We got if from all sides, coming and going. All you can do is keep your head up and know who you are.

[whak-hat.livejournal.com]

know that story. Once asked a Native American who I was arresting for theft why they called me racist and what they'd call me if I was also Native American. She replied I would be a traitor.

…wow the racist ones aren't white I'm afraid.

[scarletwool.livejournal.com]

…wow the racist ones aren't white I'm afraid.


Oh, don't you know? "Reverse racism" doesn't exist.

[whak-hat.livejournal.com]

apparently, I'm also a cracker. …most the crackers I eat are brown/darker…odd. I think 'whitey' would be better or maybe 'master of Evil'

[scarletwool.livejournal.com]

Accidentally left out [/sarcasm]. LOL!

[whak-hat.livejournal.com]

I got the sarcasm, don't worry =3

[dark-weezing.livejournal.com]

I used to date a half-Hispanic liberal woman, although, we didn't mix up with politics too often. To play on what hannahsarah said below.

Her mother was White, and she said she was raised White. Although, she had said Hispanic women occasionally hasseled her, because of it. (To her, any of that didn't matter.) Of course, she didn't give a damn what they thought, and one of the reasons why I'm glad for the dating experience.

I didn't care about any racial issues, in the least. Of course, the Left always tells me I'm a racist no matter what I do, so I can't win, either way. Hahaha.

[mosinging1986.livejournal.com]

I won't even address the content of what he said, because it is so ridiculous.

First, look through this website. There will be some help for you there.

Students for academic freedom

http://www.studentsforacademicfreedom.org/

Next is just my personal word of advice. Did you record this particular incident? If not, then it will be your word against his. I'm guessing recording is allowed? If not, then do it super sekritly. Don't worry, you will have plenty of chances. People like this professor cannot help themselves! When you have your evidence, bring it up to whoever is his superior.

Be sure you go to the website first. There is plenty of information there on how to deal with this sort of thing. It happens all the time. The best thing you can do is try and find some support for yourself!

[bookwrm17.livejournal.com]

I once had a professor whom I greatly admired make some offhand comments in class about the Tea Party being a manifestation of xenophobia. I was pretty upset, but I didn't want to make a scene in class. I sent the professor an email afterwards explaining why I found this offensive. She actually appreciated the feedback.

If you're worried about retribution affecting your grades, then I'd say email is definitely the way to go. This way, the entire conversation is in writing.

[blondebaroness.livejournal.com]

After you get your "A" pay a visit to the Dean of the department and lodge your complaint. I've done it before.

[whak-hat.livejournal.com]

I had a philosophy teacher like this. He once asked the class that if you have a cupboard full of food and the starving family down the street keeps trying to steal your food don't you have the right to get angry? I replied that that's why Christianity is so great: you invite the people in and serve them dinner. Not to say you should let assholes walk all over you but God has presented you with some of his children who clearly need help.

[gratuitous-love.livejournal.com]

*delurking too, woo!*

This semester, I had an Eastern Civilization class, which had a professor who suddenly went off on tangents about how fat Rush Linbaugh is and how he makes a bunch of money [he sounded kinda jealous...], brought up how the Tea Party decries Obama as their president [and how people did the same with Clinton...and gee, it's not like you guys didn't do that with Bush for 8 years, buddy], and alluded to the fact that he believed the "Sarah Palin was responsible for Gabrielle Giffords's shooting" crap. All within the span of two classes. And all this somehow had something to do with Chinese and Japanese history and civilization.

Needless to say, I dropped the class [albeit for different reasons, though that certainly made me feel less guilty about it]. Otherwise, I'm actually pretty good about avoiding extreme leftist rhetoric at my college, but then again I go out of my way to not socialize here.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

My professors crack on Rush and Glenn Beck all the time. I usually just sigh at these. But insinuating that I'm a racist? Different story.

And I know. What the hell did this rant of his have to do with helping us make ethical decisions in journalism? I don't understand how these guys think we're paying for their time so they can preach at us about something irrelevant to what we're paying for?

[some-day-soling.livejournal.com]

If you think the professor can take it, I would say talk to him, although the comments about doing it over email are good, so you have it all. You don't necessarily have to mention that you are conservative or anything. You can approach it from the aspect of how surprised you were to hear him stereotyping people when you have such respect for him (or at least you did).

If you are worried about your grade, then wait and either do it in email form after the class is over, or in the evaluation. If it's in the evaluation, both the professor and his chair will read it. If it gets worse, talk to the chair.

[zansa-san.livejournal.com]

It truly does suck, especially when it's the teacher - you can duke it out with a classmate, but if you don't know your instructor that well (whether or not they'll fail you for disagreeing with them, etc.), sitting through class can be painful.

I'm currently taking Production Development (film student in Houston), and the teacher is from the North, black, and a self-described "good ol' union boy." Yesterday in class, he goes off on this tidbit about how we are "Alamo-ing the Mexicans here in Texas/Houston", and my boyfriend and I were all, ">_O?"

It took us a minute to figure out what he just said. For starters, it was one random sentence that just popped up from nowhere; for seconders, we're really not enjoying this class because the man just makes words with his mouth without stopping to question if they make any contextual sense or not; for thirders, the statement itself made absolutely NO SENSE to anybody who knows anything about Texas history.

My boyfriend was livid. He's a natural born Texican, whereas I'm from Alabama, so he took it pretty personally. Sat there and fumed through a four-hour class.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

Texican! I love Texicans. :) He should've stood up in class instead of fuming. Nothing pisses off a liberal more than showing them that their case never really existed.

[zansa-san.livejournal.com]

I think if it hadn't been nearly 10 pm (after a long day of slogging through classes - Wednesday is the busy day), and his comment had actually been intelligible, he probably would have. BF loves a good debate. :)

And huzzah for Texicans, y/n?! We moved to Houston when I was five, so I consider myself a native. A pretty cool city in a pretty cool state, IMHO.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

Well, I have a strange inexplicable attachment to Mexicans in general, but I'm also a cowgirl at heart and love Texas, so Tejanos get the double whammy of love from me. ;) I'm getting to actually visit Texas for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'm attending a business conference in Austin, visiting a friend in Waco, seeing the Alamo in San Antone and then going to Houston for the rodeo. :)

[zansa-san.livejournal.com]

Woah - can you say most awesome business conference work-around ever?! You'll have loads of fun! *envy*

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

I know. I'm super jazzed. This is much better than the time I spent in Portsmouth, N.H., or even Scottsdale, Ariz., (although that was pretty nice) for similar conferences.

[izuko.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you made him worry about the possible career implications of his choice of topics. Good job.

Now let's see how he handles the next class.

[fi-harkness.livejournal.com]

Oh GOD. Now I remember why I left college in the first place. (Why the hell am I going back in the fall?) My American History teacher my first time round would say stuff like this all the time, and also make us watch very preachy episodes of The Simpsons.

I once called him on it, IN class, and the next thing I know I have an F on my transcript for being 'argumentative'. But given another chance, I'd still call him on it every time.

[nerca-beyul.livejournal.com]

Wow. Could you go talk to the head of the department or something?

[fi-harkness.livejournal.com]

It was like...5 years ago, and I eneded up quitting school the next month anyway. Besides, no one ever believed me when I'd tell them. It was my word verses him and his class of puppets. It was like being back in high school all over again.

Ahh...California education, how I don't miss you. At all.

[archerstar.livejournal.com]

See, that's when you start carrying around a mini-recorder so you can take it to the Dean and have tangible proof.

I've been pretty lucky so far, but I've still got about two years to go.

[dark-weezing.livejournal.com]

"The Simpsons"?! Maybe the pre-Mike Scully days... Oh, wait, that was before it became cliched, leftist crap.

Hell, suggest the original "The Day the Earth Stood Still" for that. Yeah, it tilted Left, but it was enjoyable and rewarding, despite its politics. A rare Hollywood irony, indeed.