The Role of College Professors in Promoting Liberal Ideology: A Balanced Perspective
There is an interesting irony in the query about whether the duty of college professors is to promote liberalism among their students. Liberalism as an ideological position emphasizes the universal will to be free and this must be at the core of any political principle. Conservatism, on the other hand, adheres to hierarchical structures of authority deemed to be natural and integral to our survival and societal experience. Thus, if an academic institution is indoctrinating people, it is essentially failing to uphold liberal principles. Conversely, providing a platform for free and diverse discussion aligns with liberal ideology.
Most academic institutions, particularly universities, adhere to the principles of intellectual progress and development. They strive to provide students with a wide array of information and resources necessary to think critically. However, the implementation of this goal can often vary depending on the professor's personal beliefs and teaching approach. In my personal experience, I encountered a variety of professors with different ideological leanings. Despite this, the overarching goal was to foster learning and critical thinking.
Personal Experiences and Observations
During my time in school, politics was not a central topic of discussion. My lifelong friend, now a PhD in Electrical Engineering, and I often discuss political issues, but it is not the main focus of our conversations. We spent much of our time discussing other topics such as the war, drug policy, oil prices, and schoolwork. Occasionally, we would express frustration or disappointment with administration decisions, but politics was not a regular subject of our discourse.
When I applied for several positions at the university, the focus during interviews was on the candidate's ability to perform the job effectively or their esteemed educational background. We had political science instructors who were devout authoritarians, economic teachers who were New Age in their approach, ecology teachers who were conservative but passionate about their subject, and a fabulously wealthy herpetology professor. This diversity in ideological leanings among professors highlights the varying perspectives present in academic settings.
Academic Freedom and Corporate Influence
There is often a misconception that universities are run by liberal elites. However, a closer examination of university financial records reveals a different picture. Universities frequently receive significant corporate and donor support. This support is often from strong conservatives. While universities may engage in certain liberal social causes, these are often permitted due to the financial interests of conservative supporters. It is misleading to portray the academic environment as being dominated by a liberal aristocracy.
The idea that academia is run by exclusionary liberal elitists is simply laughable. In reality, major institutions are often diverse in their financial backing, with a significant number of conservative interests. Liberal causes are often pursued for the sake of maintaining financial support, not out of ideological alignment.
Historical Context and Shifts in Academic Fermentation
During my time in school, a college education was generally viewed as a pathway to business success, aligned with conservative ideals. The rise of multiculturalism, diverse interpretations of the constitution, and social justice movements, however, have gradually shifted the landscape. Social conservatives have faced increasing challenges, particularly after the end of Jim Crow segregation, the rise of flower power, and the impact of the Vietnam War and the Equal Rights Amendment.
The Republican party's focus on business, alongside the decline in traditional southern Democrats, has left economic and social conservatives in a position where they are being pushed to the side. Conservative political operatives poured into academia, and the broadcasting landscape transformed with the elimination of the Fairness Doctrine and the rise of conservative media. This political shift has significantly impacted the academic environment, with implications for the types of discussions and debates that occur in classrooms.
In conclusion, the role of college professors in promoting liberalism is complex and varies depending on the institution and the professor's individual beliefs. Academic freedom remains a cornerstone of education, and the diversity of perspectives within institutions is crucial for fostering a well-rounded educational experience. Universities are not exclusively controlled by liberal elites but are heavily influenced by a variety of financial and political interests.