tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705885198949417889.post7182673942344103069..comments2020-05-24T11:04:45.786-07:00Comments on Baha's Blog: Popping the Political Correctness Bubble Bahador Aghakoochekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10679134245303437499noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705885198949417889.post-89590553191642989912016-11-21T02:44:33.630-08:002016-11-21T02:44:33.630-08:00Your post definitely gets to what I think should b...Your post definitely gets to what I think should be the ultimate goal: academia itself should be a "safe space," where debate is encouraged and preconceived biases are challenged. Large colleges and universities attract students from all over the country and the world, and its often the first contact young adults have with peers from different political, economic and cultural backgrounds. Instead of further encouraging divisions within those student bodies, these institutions should have the long-term vision in mind of a diverse yet interconnected campus.<br />Of course, many events of the last few years (including the election) show just how daunting that goal is. While more liberal campuses and metropolises are combatting microaggressions and transphobia, much of America still grapples with self-segregation and blatant xenophobia. Even our "most progressive" centers struggle for political correctness in an era where calling yourself an ally isn't enough. In that sense, I understand why minority circles need more safe spaces to field their discussions and express this frustration. Ultimately, I hope there comes a day that college campuses foster that haven across the board, and higher education represents a broadening of horizons for all of its students.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705885198949417889.post-30138569994120979312016-09-20T09:17:23.655-07:002016-09-20T09:17:23.655-07:00I think the topic of political correctness is espe...I think the topic of political correctness is especially interesting, in particular now that it is being deeply challenged in this year's elections. I do find the UChicago term "critical inquiry" a bit problematic because what constitutes critical inquiry? I don't think, and I hope most people would agree, that "critical inquiry" means the use of racial slurs, homophobic slurs, or outright misogyny in a classroom or on campus. I agree with you that a college campus, above all other spaces, is an important place for students to be challenged and debates to ensue. But safe spaces are necessary for people who feel marginalized or discriminated against. Yes, maybe they won't get that in the real world, but if we can foster a culture of kindness and reasonable political correctness on campus, maybe they real world after college will then become a better place. College changes your ways of thinking and whether that be butting heads with someone across the aisle in class, or grasping a better understanding that certain things shouldn't be said in public spaces, those are all beneficial to the college experience. <br />-Allison BowenAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01012008845419278321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705885198949417889.post-59322611758943003682016-09-18T17:28:31.197-07:002016-09-18T17:28:31.197-07:00I definitely think the idea of "safe spaces&q...I definitely think the idea of "safe spaces" in academic settings has been taken too far in today's world. Healthy debate and contrasting opinions are what make classrooms academic settings. It's productive. But where do we draw the line? Should things like trigger warnings be appropriate when talking about sexual assault because of the post traumatic stress associated with the topic? I think conservative and liberal opinions should be welcomed in classrooms. But maybe sometimes safe spaces are necessary? All around an interesting, ongoing debate in higher education. Great post!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08079273982162097465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705885198949417889.post-26290621355152557242016-09-18T17:27:58.176-07:002016-09-18T17:27:58.176-07:00I definitely think the idea of "safe spaces&q...I definitely think the idea of "safe spaces" in academic settings has been taken too far in today's world. Healthy debate and contrasting opinions are what make classrooms academic settings. It's productive. But where do we draw the line? Should things like trigger warnings be appropriate when talking about sexual assault because of the post traumatic stress associated with the topic? I think conservative and liberal opinions should be welcomed in classrooms. But maybe sometimes safe spaces are necessary? All around an interesting, ongoing debate in higher education. Great post!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08079273982162097465noreply@blogger.com