Part of what gets my panties in a knot is when other academics talk to me about Very Important Books That We Have Clearly All Read that I have not read. I hate the assumption that we’ve all done the same things. My immediate reaction is to think “Oh shit, another core thing I know nothing about! I am so uneducated!” But this is quickly followed by the awareness that I could likely list all kinds of books other people haven’t read. Which is why when we talk about resources it might behoove us all to be a little more gentle in our assumptions. Unless we know someone is familiar with a resource, ask. This especially applies to graduate students and undergraduate students who can feel deeply like imposters when a professor implies they should know something they don’t.Right, but if we didn't have preening academics showing off their erudition, how would we ever identify Wise Experts?
Condescension is just part of the schtick. The extension to national affairs is straightforward.
No comments:
Post a Comment