I am in higher level education in the public university system. I used to view academia as a source of hope in society, and perhaps a progressive institution in someways, or some kind of source of hope with their supposed focus on science and research. After some years here, this “image” I had of academia has been shattered.
What are your perceptions of academia and research institutions, as Marxists?
I am the benefactor of this system, I grew up poor, child of an immigrant (and one US American), I busted my ass studying (mostly because I am a bookworm by nature, I can read 8 or 10 hours in a row by accident) and even though I went to a community college at first, I was given a space to transfer and ended up in the Ivy League. They are all progressive on the outside but reinforce your “superiority” and so many people actually believe they are superior beings (even though most pay their way in and can afford pricey tutors for all their classes). My professors were mostly all amazing and brilliant. I have a degree of economic privilege that I feel is awarded to me due to the connections from the system.
I still believe that the entire system is bullshit and needs to be torn down. Education frees the mind and the soul, but to gatekeep this education is to stay within the elites and a few choice poors elevated as the “hyper-competent managerial class” is still a shitty system. I was awarded a fancy trinket for my academic excellence and I sold it to some rich kid that wanted it and donated that money to give to South American charities.
Gosh, there was an unhoused man in my institution, sure he didn’t have a pleasant odour, and the police were called I presume for safety reasons. I wish I could’ve told him to nap somewhere else, since he was by the elevators in a high-traffic area.
The disdain for non-academics is disheartening.
Of course his kind need to go somewhere else… a facility that can grant him emergency housing and a warm shower. Treat him for physical and mental issues, help him with substance use disorder (if needed), figure out his employment situation and education/skillset. Set him up with a job and given proper housing which he will either rent (up to 5% of his paycheck) or find out how he can own a home. Ideally in a halfway housing community that will check up on his progress from a victim of capitalism to a thriving worker. Then permanent housing can be arranged.
Yes, what you’re saying is completely true. Here I believe those services are overloaded with additional resources being allocated. Still, there would be something for those who want it.
It was more the derision by peers and the cops I took issue with.