When my dedicated colleague retires, which is sure to happen soon, what should I do about the honor society? I cannot stand it, I cannot tolerate organizations whose names are comprised of Greek letters, and the initiation ceremony is genuinely Fascist. As it is the party must be held in my house, as my house … More Another Serious Question
I am arguing endlessly with my youngest brother on the topic of race and I want to give up. I want to say: Dear C., While I know you are a mixed Creole, and I know you want everyone to recognize you as such, I also know that where you are living, most people do … More Merrily Going ‘Round
The concept of citizenship is apparently difficult. Many people do not know what it is. They are nationalistic and they want immigrants, for instance, “to know our language and our culture, to understand our form of government and our laws.” Yet they tend not to believe in the rights of “man” and citizen. Daniel Brook’s … More The Idea of Citizenship
“Now I am working as a server at that new fine dining restaurant in the country. I can tell it is a strange little town. Everyone working in the kitchen is Black and they never speak first. If they have something they want to say to you or ask you, they stand near you until … More Overheard at the Pool
Please see Patricia J. Williams on the DOE report, “A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of U.S. Higher Education.” Here is an excerpt from the article, with a key quotation from the report: “Student achievement, which is inextricably connected to institutional success, must be measured by institutions on a ‘value-added’ basis that takes into … More On Academic Freedom and the Spellings Report
I had been meaning to post about HB 199. Then this e-mail was forwarded to me, so am posting a version of it. A colleague comments that student opposition to this bill is very strong, and that this point may help convince legislators to oppose the measure. House Bill 199 of the current legislative session … More Louisiana HB 199
THEN: Person: You are the tenured person and the one with the grownup house, so you should host the department party. PZ: How novel and interesting to be in this position. Out of exoticism I will definitely host this party. Besides, it is now my duty to do so. NOW: Person: You are the tenured … More On Collegiality and Service
I am busy today so I am posting one of my old drafts. It does not correspond to today’s events factually, but it does so metaphorically very well. Even the comments I am now writing fictionalize the situation, although they do convey its gestalt. My feelings today are not primarily anger but frustration, nervousness, and … More Anger I Sing
CINCO DE MAYO Today all members of Greater Mexico celebrate the Battle of Puebla. I am celebrating with a son huasteco. You should really follow that link – it goes to a really classic performance which cannot be embedded elsewhere. Here is a good live performance of the petenera, with the audience dancing. And there … More Amores criollos
This is a post I know the Paper Chaser will appreciate. Job candidates, wear your jackets, and ties if applicable, no matter what anyone says! Last year one of ours did not and it was because the instructors and graduate students had told him at the arrival from airport party that it was not necessary. They said … More Why Job Candidates Should Wear Jackets
