Well I find it oppressive, particularly within the context of studying a
course about my own "disability" which IMO fails to acknowledge our
different cognitive style when it comes to assesing wotk.
I do not expect to do well,
I will lern, but that lerning will not be socially validated.
The academic tradition defined the medical profession through its role in
there training and acculturation, it also defines notions of "disease" which
is mediated through the progeny of academia, the lawyers and the doctors.
It does not take kindly to divergent thinkers and Iconoclasts.
It was clear in my converstaions that even if you had written a book that
was the standard textbook on a subject, the paradigm by which the subject
was taught, unless you could pass the standard exams, in the standard way
you still would not get a degree from the institution that made free use of
your work unless you also had popular celebrity status in which case yo
might get an honorary degree to add to your OBE or whatever.
Larry who admits to being resentful so don't remind he is being so.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: The Disability-Research Discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of LILITH Finkler
> Sent: 05 March 2003 17:36
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: is academia oppressive to disabled people?
>
>
> From recent posts to the list re: the PhD opportunities at Leeds, I
> understand that folks think academia is oppressive to disabled
> people. What
> is true, is that within an oppressive society, academic institutions can
> also be oppressive. After all, social structures reflect the values within
> which they are created and maintained. We live in an ableist society for
> sure!
>
> It is also true that academia reflects the class interests of those in
> positions of power. By controlling the production and reproduction of
> knowledge and even deciding what constitutes "knowledge," the academy
> marginalizes many poor and working class people.
>
> However, having said all of that, my own academic expereriences have been
> very liberating. Faculty and staff in my department are aware of my
> psychiatric survivor status and are incredibly supportive. Because of my
> rather public approach in advancing disability rights, I have
> been fortunate
> to also connect with other disabled students in my program. We provide
> informal support to each other. That has meant so much to me.
>
> So, it seems to me that while institutions are oppressive, individuals
> within those institutions can also be supportive. This is one of the
> inherent contradictions residing within the academy. If anyone is aware of
> articles on this subject, I would be keen to read them. Thanks, Lilith
>
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