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I used to joke when I left academia that this combined with the imposter effect was why academia in the west is totally stalled. So many professors are positive
by kjrose 6y ago
I used to joke when I left academia that this combined with the imposter effect was why academia in the west is totally stalled. So many professors are positive they understand everything outside of their little silo as deeply as their silo, especially with regards to social policy and politics. It was quite shocking when more than a few suggested after a few drinks ideas that were inches from the sterilization programmes and such from the early 20th century. The people usually making it high up with people with the highest example of this effect because the effect gave them an extreme confidence in their statements even if they were totally wrong. The administration and such wouldn't realize this and they would get promotions etc.
Yet. Some of the smartest folks I met were convinced they were imposters and because of that didn't have the same confidence and usually were hen pecked to death because their analysis commonly differed from the social norm of the academic class.
- Chris2048 6y ago> inches from the sterilization programmes and such from the early 20th century How exactly? Given you are criticising your colleagues it's hard to determine how charitable this account is, especially since you give weight to descriptions given while inebriated, assuming that accurately represents their views.
- kjrose 6y agoI am being unbelievably charitable. Honestly I chalk it up to culture and the elitist attitude that permeates it. However at the same time there is a reason I specifically state after a few drinks. At least then it gives them an out. I know at least a few who discussed these ideas openly in the lunch room. Bad enough one day I had to get up and leave for my desk.
- olalonde 6y agoYou might be interested in the book "Intellectuals and Society" by Thomas Sowell, it touches on that among other things.
- kjrose 6y agoI'll add it to my kindle.