We had an interesting discussion today in one of my classes about this: Should a college professor express his opinions or viewpoints (in class in front of his students) on controversial topics.
A controversial topic could be religion, abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, gay marriage, politics, elections...
Some of the students said their professors had informed them that it's best NOT for them (the professors) to take a public stand on such topics. Seems the reasoning goes something like this: If a professor states his/her views in class, that might unduly influence or shape the thinking of students.
Here's what I think.
Professors should profess.
If we can't and don't do that, why are we here? What's the point?
Why bother about anything if we ourselves don't speak up and out when we're asked to do that.
Here, for the record, are some of the things/people I believe in:
1. John McCain (voted for him mainly cause he's a decorated Vietnam war hero, almost died for this country, and he's a good, smart guy.) That said, I've got to say I like Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. I hope and pray they lead our country out of the current economic turmoil.
2. God. I'm a Christian, baptized (full immersion in water) as a sophomore in high school. I haven't been very good at going to church these last few decades, but I am trying to read the Bible. I chip away at it every so often--now on First Solomon in the Old Testament.
3. Dogs. They're a man's best friend. Faithful to the end as our best loyal companions, what's not to like about them?
4. Family. Without a strong, supportive family, we soon wither. But for my wife and my children and my parents and brother and sister, I wouldn't last long. God bless them all. I love them very much.
4. Extraterrestrials. Yes, that means I believe in UFOs. We just cannot be the only living beings in this entire universe. It's too big. Life HAS to be out there someplace else.
5. A free press. Make that a free, responsible press that shines a light on truth and wrongdoing and injustice (and on justice). Without a free press (and yes, it does get rambunctious at times and off point), I wouldn't be writing this, and you wouldn't be reading it.
Ok. Enough for now. These are some of my core professed beliefs.
What do you profess, ladies and gentlemen?
And if you haven't already taken my poll (in the upper right hand corner of my blog site), please do it.
18 comments:
I just wanted to let you know that i am seriously relieved to finally have a proffesor here at winthrop that is not afraid to say that they believe in God. I feel like so many students at winthrop are slipping away from thier faith and the teachers are not helping. Thanks for being honest. It really made me feel less homesick.
Hi Dr. Timbs! It's one of your "Brittanys" from class. HaHa. Just to let you know, I do share many of your beliefs. I am a Christian who voted for McCain and I have seen a UFO. Thanks for posting your beliefs. I have no problem with professors "professing" because I think by the time you enter college, (most) students have already firmly established their beliefs and are not going to be totally influenced by their professors anyway. So please do not keep your beliefs to yourself - share!
It's very difficult being transparent with your students. While some instructors can get away with it, in certain academic cultures, it's just best if you act as if you're an "objective" being. Nowadays, students offended by everything from your breath mints to your political views. In the past, I've had students that felt my "blackness" was too overwhelming. It's okay if you teach an Intro class and you just talk about Douglass and the black press, but don't talk about the contributions "others" have made that are not in the book. I’ll share more when I’m tenured!
You must have assigned your students to comment your blog?
Here's what I believe in:
1. Low cholesterol. We have to keep our hearts and bodies healthy! That means a balanced diet and plenty of exercise. It's also fun to keep track of our eating habits and activity levels. I do so in a journal. One day I will look back on it and wish I'd kept up the good work.
2. Animal rights. Sure, dogs are cute and cuddly, Timbs, but at the end of the day a puppy is just another pinned-up animal. Just like cows. Just like chickens. Just like (yes) humans. And I love them all equally.
3. Student journalism. Sure, I'm a hardass, but I believe in these people. Every time The Johnsonian goes to press I am proud.
4. The economy. It'll get better. It has to.
5. Primitive feelings. We should all embrace these -- primal anger, rage, love, hurt, confusion. And we should enhance them with a cold beer.
And for the record, I do think professors should "profess" in the classroom. They should also leave topics such as religion, politics and extraterrestrials open for discussion. That's what college is about.
Hello Blair, Brittany, Arlecia and Christy:
Thanks for commenting and expressing yourselves on this "professing" issue.
I take it, that deep down in your hearts, you like to know what your professors feel.
I'll get back to what I said originally. If we can't express ourselves on a college campus, then where else can we do that?
Seems like college ought to be a place for constructive dialogue and the "free flow of information and ideas" (as the old journalism textbook put it.)
Thanks again, to all of you, for commenting.
Life sometimes gets lonely. It's good to know that people are reading my blog.
I profess this to be a well-written, thought-provoking article. BLOG ON, Dr. Timbs!
seems as though you're preaching, excuse me, professing, to the choir Dr. Timbs. Several other posters have commented that there is no problem for professors to publicly share their feelings and views. I, too, agree. However, there is a line that must be drawn in the sand. perhaps, that line is drawn by student when he/she becomes offended and doesnt agree with your viewpoint. To that end, a collegial atmosphere should promote such discourse in that in order for both student and professor to grow both intellectually and academically competing views should clash. While nothing is gained through such discourse unless the discussion can ensure where a respect is given to both sides of an issue. Yes, I, too, am a Christian. Are there persons on this campus that may disagree with our faith, our beliefs. Sure, if dicussed in an open forum both party's can benefit. Yes, I, too, voted for John McCain, and for some of the same reasons as you. The problem/issue being brought to light in your blog post today is the restriction of free speech, whether behind a lectern in Johnson Hall or behind the cash register at McDonalds. If we, as academic professionals, are unable to profess, both personal views and views and illustrations of subject matter to which we are responsible, we are shortchanging students. To the same end, professors sans tenure, like the one who posted previously, essentially are muzzled in speaking against University policy. The furloughs and other budgetary fat could be eliminated if tenured faculty, the untouchables, spoke out in unison against what amounts to paycuts for all employees. The inability to speak out lands everyone in the terrible process of groupthink, a communication theory where one person who wishes to speak against the group doesnt for fear of not being accepted by the masses of the group. Irving Janis develops this thought says groups are at the most risk when they are insulated from outside opinion. So, a professor being unable to profess is bad and should not be tolerate in higher education. Students, likewise, should be free to speak and demonstrate their own beliefs without public persecution.
Wow, Mychal! You said a lot and said it well. You write like an intellectual. Especially appreciated what you expressed concerning the "tenured professors."
Thanks for venting/sharing.
Hey Timbs! I am not suprised in the least that you are willing (and I believe you should) express your opinions to your students. However, it should probably be under a context of a specific subject or discussion - otherwise it may come across as you are attempting to persuade or hasten others to those beliefs and opinions. I think it's also important to explore not just one specific belief or opinion, but many of them, and avoiding discussion that brings about labeling any as right or wrong. Open and candid discussions are extremely thought provoking.
And Timbs, come on...maybe not all teachers/professors are influential, but you sure are! You know how to speak to students and are tend to connect with many on a level of respect and mentorship.
That's a good thing though and I am happy to read you are holding these types of candid discussions with your students.
For those student and just people in life who are always looking for things to be offended about...I prefer not tiptoe around life in an effort to keep them "un-offended." Maybe if you plan to hold future disucssions that may bring about debate and difference of opinion, make that known in your syllabus, as you begin your semesters, or at the beginning of class. Share with them that you're an honest and outspoken professor, who's interested in facilitating and encouraging them to do the same. Then, for those who do get offended, there's always the "I warned you..." :)
I was a huge supporter for Ron Paul. I think we are all holding on to dear life to see what happens with the Obama administration. I am hopeful.
UFOs probably do exist. I just need to know if they come in peace first.
I know I am Christian and have been labeled otherwise by the religion I was born & raised into. I too am reading the bible bit by bit and do my very best to follow the basic teachings of Christianity.
Hi Dr. Timbs,
What Blair said, in a nut shell!
Now regarding this which you said,
>>I'll get back to what I said originally. If we can't express ourselves on a college campus, then where else can we do that?
Seems like college ought to be a place for constructive dialogue and the "free flow of information and ideas" (as the old journalism textbook put it.)<<
You are spot on, but unfortunately those who are blinded to the truth do not see. They have purposefully plucked their eyeballs out and cut their ears off. (Not everyone, of course- only the ones who have seen and still refuse to believe.
I believe that it is difficult to walk that path of faith and belief in Christ because as you referenced, we will be hated because of Him. But we do this because we have a hope and a knowledge of Him and what's to come.
I also believe that there are certain professions which have a far more difficult time with this than others, and professor has got to be one of them. So kudo's to you, Dr. Timbs. That's awesome!
Amanda
Thanks, Tiffany, for making me mindful to broaden the discussion in class about potentially controversial topics. Your thoughts on the easily offended are also appreciated.
I never intentionally offend anyone, but I know, too, that I can be quite brusque with some of the positions I assert. I'm working on that, however (probably a losing cause but I'm trying.)
Thank you, Tiffany, for your kind words about my teaching/mentorship.
Makes my day!
Amanda,
That's a neat way to say it: "They have purposefully plucked their eyeballs out and cut their ears off."
Write on, woman!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
I think that everyone no matter their profession should feel like it is okay to express their views and/or opinions. I understand the idea of why some professors may not do so and that is completely up to them, but I feel like as people we all share views and opinions with each other so why should it be any different with students and professors? Students share their opinions and ideas so why not the other way? And on a side note - of course you believe in extraterrestials. I do, but only because that would explain you! :) You know you were always one of my favorites!
Thanks, Alyssa. Will have to get you an ET doll for Christmas!
Since you teach journalism, you must expose your students to controversial issues they are sure to encounter as they investigate and report the news. The university is the place for introspection, and professors should ask the probing questions so that students will begin to understand what their own developing beliefs are. On the other hand, I frequently take the position of "If asked, tell." And if not asked, just teach the content of the syllabus. A professor risks hurting the student's feelings and alienating the student by expressing a viewpoint which may be different from the student's. What is objectivity? Is it the absence of the heart and feelings? Is it really attainable?
Not sure we're talking about journalistic objectivity here (as in the journalist keeping his/her feelings/biases/opinions out of the story.)
I see that as much different from a professor expressing himself (on whatever) in class.
Journalists are supposed to be neutral transmitters of information (in the purest sense.)
Not so with professors, who's calling, in my view, is to profess.
But you raise an interesting point of view and I respect that.
Thanks for commenting, Mercedes.
One last thing (trying to answer your question): Is pure objectivity (in journalism) obtainable?
Probably not.
There's always a beating heart driving the reporter/writer.
And hearts have feelings--big time.
Of course professors should be able to profess what they believe in. I'm not going to say what I believe in here, and I'm not going to agree or disagree with what you believe in. Because what you believe in is what you believe in. Period.
Although one student commented that students have their own beliefs by the time they enter college, I'd argue that college students are still very impressionable. Some of the ideas and beliefs I have now were molded by people like you, Dr. Timbs. Like my belief in the first ammendment: definitely stronger since knowing you.
And if we have to listen to all of the liberals profess all of their ideas, then we should be able to profess ours, too, damnit (I guess you know a little something about my beliefs now).
You go, woman (Rebekah)!
Thanks for your sincerity and for being part of my blog.
You're a loyal reader!
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