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I'm assuming a lot of people here also studied English in college (regardless of whether you majored in it). In honor of this story about the turmoil in Pomona's English department https://archive.ph/kspHn, anyone else have some good stories from the academy?
This is a great article and thanks for posting (even though it clearly paints Kunin as a sympathetic figure, but I do think in a way he deserves a bit lol) 0. For sure that (probably misattributed) Kissinger quote about academia politics is very relevant here. 1. I didn't know Pomona's english program had so much bread, I guess they are very prestigious? 2. I was a bit more unbiased until the "Innerlight method training" part. What the fuck is that? You cannot be serious that a distinguished english prof wants to expense department budget on this? Very confounding 3. Kunin sounds like a hag and an annoying boss to have. Especially within the bounds of academia. But holy shit! The other 2 professors Thomas and Tompkins sound insufferable and cutthroat. What the hell is wrong with these people? 4. As per usual it always comes back to money 👁️ 5. As per usual it always comes back to power 👁️
I mostly sided with Kunin, but the part where things are tense and he decides to teach a class critiquing his colleagues mode of study through an author they previously didn't want him to teach was a crazy decision. He really was not right for that role
Just a few days ago, we had this: https://stanforddaily.com/2024/08/29/stanford-cycle-out-creative-writing-lecturers/ Two dozen lecturer positions in the creative writing department are being removed, including a couple people I know. A few months ago: https://x.com/erinoverbey/status/1787152553781625291?s=42
I don't get where either party is being disrespectful in the tweet? Seems like ivy Liberal cringe
I talked about it a bit more in the Discord, but I do agree with you. The email to Professor Jefferson wasn't exactly formal, and was thus interpreted as disrespectful, but it's hardly the end of the world. The tweet stating a Stanford professor didn't know what objectivity means is downright insolent though. Similarly, Professor Jefferson really shouldn't have publicized the email, but I thought the issue was exaggerated. There was really no point posting it, or replying at all. It continues, but really the dialogue around it was much more interesting than the event itself. Thankfully, we're not an Ivy (though we are nearly as bad).
It's funny how socially maladjusted so many writers seem to be. That's probably why everyone has trouble swallowing the idea that Shakespeare was -- by the all scant accounts we have of his life -- a very normal guy. Same with most of the truly great writers. It's not always the case that great writers or artists are rather normal, but it happens way more often than people let on. I find it hard to believe anyone involved with this story has enough awareness of their surroundings to produce anything worth reading.
I love this about Spinoza too