The internet IS real life

[fiction_theory]

I told myself I shouldn't/wouldn't post this, because I'm not looking to draw down wank or unproductive, spiraling conversations that amount to nothing and only make people tired and repeat the same old crap

Comments

[fiction_theory]

Well, bully for them, I can't -- I prefer to actually assess, you know, their work--I cannot TELL anything by facial expressions of a group of students sitting in regimented rows in a classroomThis, right here. I've taken online courses or courses with a heavy online component and I have to say that often times I'm better able to connect with an instructor more than I would be able to in a large classroom (or even a small one), because a lot of the complications of face-to-face interactions are removed. Plus, there may be students who look like they aren't paying attention or who don't engage in discussion much in a meatspace setting, but who ARE really learning, but discussion in a classroom is difficult for them whereas being able to work online allows them be more comfortable and to be able to think of responses and questions when it's best for them

[anonymous]

I think we sometimes overvalue the presence of a butt in a seat for a set amount of time as though if they show up between 9:00 and 9:50 three times a week that's better and more valid or something. IDK.

I have back pain, and putting my butt in a seat tends to exacerbate it. I'm taking distance courses right now, and the fact that I can take breaks when I need to and lie down until I feel better is all kinds of awesome! I really wish there were more opportunities for distance/on-line learning, and that people wouldn't have such a negative view of it.

[icecreamempress]

I saw that whole ugly thing and there needs to be a "Ways White People Instruct Others On Racism With Their Superior Learnings" bingo card all on its own.

Not even "superior learnings"--Reese is a professor with a doctorate but somehow her doctorate isn't "as good" as a white person like medievalist's (in medievalist's mind, obvs).

[delux_vivens]

good post.

[fiction_theory]

Thank you.

[yeloson]

Imagining that marching is the most or only valid method of anti-racism is rather like imagining making slings for limbs is the only valid method of medicine...

You'd think someone who is a writer and supposed anti-racist would see the value in the work of W.E.B Debois, but I guess he didn't do enough marching to be worth reading about, right?

[fiction_theory]

Imagining that marching is the most or only valid method of anti-racism is rather like imagining making slings for limbs is the only valid method of medicine...

I just got this terrible mental image of a clinic that works JUST like that. "But, doctor, I have cancer!" "Never mind that, just put your arm in this sling and don't move it for six weeks!" "How is that suppose to treat my cancer?" "..." "Well?" "But that's how medicine works. You're just arguing with me because you don't really want to be healthy. I don't even think you're really sick!"

Your metaphor is about as apt as a metaphor can get. Because it's precisely like that.

You'd think someone who is a writer and supposed anti-racist would see the value in the work of W.E.B Debois, but I guess he didn't do enough marching to be worth reading about, right?Totes. Now, if he'd really been a true anti-racist, he would have found a way to make the U.S. renew his passport, come back from Ghana, and lived long enough to march beside Will Shetterly or at least somewhere that Will

[chomiji]

Good post. Great coverage of the many aspects of the subject.

BTW, the OP has removed all the comments there.

[annaham]

I seriously do not have any words other than "This is a great piece." As an activist and a PWD, I thank you for so cogently picking apart exactly what's wrong with the "well, where were you at x or y event/protest/ etc.?" argument.