Tale of the Tattooed Professor and the Serious Academic
¶ 1 Leave a comment on paragraph 1 2 I will begin by thinking at the meta-level: if I had responded within the first 30 minutes of reading Gannon’s post, I would have responded in favor of it, because when I first read an article or post, I usually agree with most of the points. Once I take more time to reflect on it and hear other people’s perspectives, I usually start seeing more of the flaws in the article and formulating my own ideas for how the article could be improved. I know not everyone approaches articles this way, but I think this still shows that having more time to let ideas sink in helps you see different perspectives on the article, rather than taking your initial (and probably somewhat emotional) reaction and sticking to it, as commenters are known to do.
¶ 2 Leave a comment on paragraph 2 2 A day after reading Gannon’s post, my own view of it is still mixed. One of his points that I support is the notion that “serious academics” are usually exclusive: “Serious Academics™ are white, male, upper-middle or upper-class, full-time faculty members at elite-or at least research-oriented-institutions. Look at the demographics of our profession, especially the upper ranks of the “prestige” departments and institutions. Hell, just do a Google image search for ‘Professor’” (2). Creating a club of elitists like this is especially harmful for DH, a field that proclaims inclusivity and community as a few of its core values (depending on whose definition you use, but generally yes). I applaud Gannon for pointing out this issue with ‘Serious Academics’ that could have dangerous consequences for DH.
¶ 3 Leave a comment on paragraph 3 2 One critique I have for Gannon is how harshly he criticizes the ‘Serious Academic’ for not wanting to be forced to use technology. I think it is valid for the ‘Serious Academic’ not to want people in his/her field pressuring him/her to use social media for job-related activities. A comment from Laura Coffey-Grover on page 12 reads, “I definitely wouldn’t want to berate Twitter or people who use social media to engage in other people’s work, make connections and have their perspectives widened. Clearly that’s a beautiful thing. The issue for me is that it has become an expectation that one will do so”. I agree with Coffey-Grover that the problem here is expectations: social media can be useful in academia if professors or scholars want to use it, but if they should not be pressured or expected to do so if they are unwilling or disinterested. Gannon, keep using your technology, but don’t expect Anonymous to use it too. Anonymous, as long as you don’t make a snobby, elitist “tech-free” club, stop worrying about technology and get back to your ‘Serious Academic’ activities (whatever they are). Can we all just get along?
A Story of Intrigue, Mystery, and Enchantment, to be sure.