I have read with interest the case of Dr. Mehta at Acadia University, a tenured professor being fired for his behaviour and views that, according to the University, go beyond what would be considered both normal and acceptable. The man stands accused of fostering a hostile work place for his colleagues and a place to not only espouse his views on the world but, more dastardly, shoot down anyone that dares to question his version of said world.
So, let me go out on a limb here and state that this guy sounds like one of those nut job believers in conspiracy theories and has deeply held convictions that "they" have it too good and why should "they" get a leg up when others don't. "They" being women, minorities and any other group that seem to get preferential treatment in his view. You needn't think too hard to know where I am going to come down on when it comes to my view of the good doctor.
I will preface what I am about to say by saying that I have not met this guy, sat in his class or read anything other than what has been reported in the news. I will also say that I know this guy, more specifically, guys like this. Annoying little fucks that carry chips on their shoulders for all manner of real and perceived problems that they like to blame on everyone else but themselves. Women, minorities, aboriginals and just about anyone else gets scooped up in their vitriol, and they will mask they're racism and misogyny as free speech; and should you question them on their views you are attacking the very freedom that scores have died for. Get fucked.
Why is it that these douche canoes feel like they can trample all over everyone else's rights in their search for justification and a sympathetic ear? Lurking in the not so dark and dark corners of the web, with names like Rebel Media and leaders/fans like Alex Jones and Rush Limbaugh. Under guise of academic freedom, political populism and simple free speech, emboldened by the likes of Drumph and his ilk, the truth these people speak almost always comes with a cost. The cost in human terms, for the people targeted by these Idi Amin wannabes, is dignity, peace and yes freedom.
"Not that I condone fascism; or any ism for that matter. Isms, in my opinion, are not good.
A person should not believe in an ism, he should believe in himself."
Ferris Bueller
Yes, Ferris had it right back in the 80's. Believing in an "ism" may make you feel better, may even make sense but it will, by simple definition, lead to one group of people looking down on another and lead to exclusion and/or persecution of others. This is an almost inescapable by product of your desire to play footsie with any faction of people out there. We have seen it time and again through history. Right, left, Catholic, Jew - it doesn't matter, for one to grow it often leads to standing on the throats of the other. And that's where my problem lies with the likes of Dr Mehta. I don't care what you believe in. I really don't. Unicorns are real and sex with penguins is a turn on for you? Fill your boots, just keep your shit over there and out of my face. Don't try to convert me to your way of life and prepare for a response should you find yourself in need of belittling others within earshot. If you want to talk about things, great - I am all for healthy discussion and debate. It is when conversions and crusades come into play that I stop listening and start reacting.
Some will argue that curtailing this guys free speech is the bigger issue, we must after all preserve it regardless of how objectionable it might be. I will grant you a portion of that argument, with the strongest caveat being related to how said message is delivered and if it is to someone else's detriment. It is, I believe, against the law to yell fire in a movie theatre when there is no fire. The same as you are not allowed to joke about having explosives while waiting in line to board a plane. Your right is not absolute so you shouldn't be able to spew Nazi hate without expecting consequences of one kind or another. I'm thinking a throat punch.
This whole episode has raised my ire a tad I must say. There is little patience for this kind of douche baggery in my opinion and I do really believe that we are all obligated to stand up to this nonsense when it presents itself. So, on the face of it, good for you Acadia. Out with douches!!!
Ciao
D
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