It would be, do not allow the way the university treats you to affect your own professional identity. Do not let them undermine your stability or sense of self-worth. This, however, is easier said than done … how does it not mean “rise above it, dear?” I have always admired the skill of some people, … More Mantra

Continuing, I miss Puerto Rico and Louisville and everywhere, but mostly Puerto Rico and the things I did not get to do there (which would have involved piercing that touristy surface). I guess we can say this summer is exciting and eventful so far but I need it to be restorative. I went to campus to … More Des théories

I woke up this morning at home. I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom. I woke up telling myself that just because I was home did not mean I had to suffer. I woke up saying just because I was now so close to my university and so far from the … More Je suis arrivée / Sobre la tristeza

Not-writing is like a bath running. In other words: I am not entirely happy about certain offers to come here and give workshops, because the Herculean amount of planning and organization it would take to fund and publicize these events would impede my own research and writing. I must find a way to keep this … More Not-writing is like a bath running

I understand why the AAUP is promoting this, and there is no other viable position to take, but I have been being exhorted for decades about how I should support newer or contingent faculty and my question is, when are they going to support me — not me personally, but any academic values, and anything … More That One Faculty campaign

Before college: Anything you do that is your own or that is expressive of you causes your mother to suffer the greatest of tortures. Be still. Before graduate school: You cannot do anything and must get married so someone will support you, but you will not of course be able to marry anyone who loves … More All those threats

You say you are hiding your intellectual views to be discreet and not offend those you perceive to be in power, but you are quite free with personal insults to those you perceive not to be. It is in fact a good idea when you are new faculty to ask questions rather than make judgments, … More Dear graduate student…

Hoy le ha entrado una astilla. Me viene, hay días, una gana ubérrima, política. These are the poems I would like to present this week. That pain that is so often just below the surface. “You are in crisis,” someone said. “You are so calm and meditative,” said another. “You are in a panic,” said … More Questo, e questo; París, y 4, y 5

It is what is done to my field and research in my field by the university, and from a much broader point of view there is this. Axé.