Stick it to the Man

Authority means power. Power to shape the world to better reflect the perspectives of those holding the authority. However, there are two points about this reality that need addressing.

First, no position of earthly authority is absolute. Parents, teachers, police, administrators, bosses, and governments all are limited in their authority and power. Despite the fear they may elicit they can only do so much. Sometimes that is a lot, but often they have a lot less than it seems.

Second, all earthly authority can be wrong. Just because someone is in charge does not mean that what they say and the positions that they take are valid, good, or right. There are obvious examples of this all over. From Hitler and Mao to wrong cops and anti-free speech professors.

The thing is though that authority figures are given a lot of leeway and a lot of respect. I think this is generally good. However, sometimes the weight of their incorrectness demands being addressed. Sometimes we need to stick it to the man and demand that things change.

One area where this is increasingly becoming important from what I can see is in universities. The issues is increasingly important and difficult because it is so wide spread. This video with Camille Paglia goes into a number of issues that are destroying the value of university educations, especially graduate degrees. The video is kind of long, but it is good.

We as people have power. When things are corrupt and broken the light will push things to change. However, it might cost a lot.

I am writing this for myself more than anything. I'm not in a position to call out university administrators or professors for poor behavior, but I am sometimes in positions to call it out elsewhere. I can be somewhat conflict adverse. So it is scary for me to really push when things are out of kilter. It is easy for me to call out issues "out there" that need addressing, but a lot harder to identify them and stand up myself. That is probably true for a lot of people.

So come on guys! Let's stick it to all the mans and call out baddies wherever they be found.