Academics are Armed and Dangerous

 

Academics are Armed and Dangerous

When Knowledge Threatens Institution, Learners are Targeted

    

    I was in class yesterday, sitting with about six other students. We were all incased in a beautiful room, decorated with old leaders of the university and the most extravagant ornate furniture. Despite the room—an elegant and still alter to these yellowed pictures of white people long gone—our juxtaposed conversation was quite opposite of the antique furniture and crystal chandelier above our heads.

    “I’ve been speaking with the deans of the university, and without giving out much detail, they have been getting letters. Just as a precaution, we will be having plain clothes security outside of the room and will be locking the doors once class begins.”

    My stomach sunk a bit, but it was nothing surprising. It came with the job: talking liberation, talking imperialism, critiquing the ever-looming death machine was—is—unpopular. And it threatens a LOT of people whether they control the machine or worship it. Realizing the world for what it is and removing the myths, legends, and lies from our vision meant that we could no longer be placated. No longer useful or profitable. Our lives no longer for their livelihood. Our books, our speech, our thoughts, are dangerous.

    We sat in that room quiet. We were considering the danger, but not faltering because of it. Knowing the threat, and equipping ourselves with pencils and notebooks. We talked, we moved, we cried, and we were weary of the fight, but we stayed and continued. The high price of our silence was now a bounty over our heads, and through chapters and film, we were now outlaws.

    I fear violence. I fear being debilitated. I fear death. But not enough to stop me. Life—a liberated one—requires me to continue to be a fugitive and a threat, and what an honor to be!