On Honor Among Men

Whiteman: If X [a full professor] applies for Y [administrative job] and is not the chosen candidate, it will destroy his career. Z: Why? He is an Endowed Professor, Chair, and Director. He will not be run out of these positions. If he applies for Y and is not the chosen candidate, can he not … More On Honor Among Men

Pinch and Reversal

I have said several times in these pages that I do not find change difficult. I did, however, find the change asked of me in Reeducation difficult. This task involved changing my focus in life from joy and pleasure to suffering and pain. I did not want to take this plunge and it was very … More Pinch and Reversal

Some Very Interesting Search Terms

Normally the search terms which lead people to this weblog are quite innocuous and predictable – even the perennial “lacy underwear.” Today, however, we have some rather scary ones, including “Jena Six niggers” (several times) and “why academic freedom is a bane.” I am not pleased with the presuppositions underlying these phrases. Axé.

Paul Fussell on Class

We now quote from Antonio Núñez’ Amazon.com review of Paul Fussell’s Class: A Guide Through the American Status System (Touchstone, 1983). It is true that the traditional lower (rather than the underclass) and the higher classes have many things in common, among them a deeply ingrained conservatism and a fierce pride in their way of … More Paul Fussell on Class