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March 06, 2005
Welcome to My World
With all the time I'm spending on writing essays for school, my blog is suffering! :( Maybe I'll just have to post my school stuff.
In my media studies class a couple of weeks ago, we were discussing signs and symbols in the media and how specific images can hold meanings that are influenced by our culture. For example, an advertisement depicting a thin woman would probably interpreted in our culture as representing beauty and wealth, whereas in another context it could be interpreted as poverty or mental illness.
Our assignment was then to create an "unconventional resume" by using a sign to represent ourselves. After much deliberation, I harnessed the power of my color printer to create an 8.5" by 11" image of myself and our beloved President.
The next day of class, after my professor proceeded to collect each student's "unconventional resume," he proceeded to tape them each to the chalkboard for the entire class to see. Then, he decided to leave them there for an indefinite amount of time for the rest of the classes, and all who passed through that particular classroom, to observe. I don't know why.
I have three friends who each have separate classes in that same classroom. They all happen to be CRs, and commented to me about my fine display of affection for Mr. Bush. Then, one day about a week later, I was playing racquetball with two of them.
"Hey Megan, what happened to the pic of you and Bushie?"
"What?"
"Yeah, it's not on the chalkboard anymore."
"Are the rest of the class's up there?"
"Yeah, just yours is gone."
I proceed to nail the racquetball with all my might.
"Sorry Megs, I just figured you took it back or something."
In class the next day, I note that my resume has indeed disappeared, while the rest of them remain in tact. When class is over, Julie and I chat with our prof as we leave, as has become tradition. He smiles and points to a new addition to my Nalgene: a GOP sticker. I seize the opportunity:
"By the way, did you notice that my little piece of free speech is gone from the chalkboard?"
"What?"
He goes to see for himself.
"Yours was right here?" He points to an empty portion of the board with only a piece of scotch tape remaining.
"Yep."
He stares at the space for a while longer, a look of sheer disbelief on his face. Eventually, he remarks a little about the rudeness of it all, and how we should do something to retaliate. I am surprised at his strong reaction, and mention that I'm not so bothered, since I'm really pretty used to this sort of thing. He tells me that I should be bothered.
In the next class, the prof decides to bring the issue before the rest of the students. He points out the disappearance and asks for opinions on the subject. He then mentions that he spoke with the issue about a few people, including his wife. He actually says, "I'm POed."
It's my turn to react with surprise and disbelief. It's like he never realized this sort of thing happens. If only he knew how many times I had to replace CR signs in the commons or the republican paraphernalia on my door.
He mentions that there are plenty of recording devices available, and we could set something up in an attempt to capture the culprit on film. Finally, after the most uncomfortable classroom discussion I've ever experienced, he looks me in the eye and says, "When you decide what you want to do about this, let me know. I'm with you. I'll follow your lead." I agree, and the class finally proceedes.
I haven't decided what to do about it yet. I would have probably just let it go, but now I feel like I'm expected to do something -- like my prof would be disappointed if I failed to take action. This is a unique experience for me. I can't decide if this is a different kind of prof or if most profs would have a similar reaction if they knew what went on behind the scenes. Either way, I feel like I have taken part in a tiny enlightenment.
Posted by Megan at March 6, 2005 06:52 PM
Comments
You need to make an 8.5 FEET by 11 FEET poster of that pic, and take up the entire chalkboard for 3 days.
that should be your retaliation :)
that or just quietly repost it with a sticky note attached:
"you can tear down my picture, but you can't tear down truth, coward."
Or something equally as cheesy and biting.
Posted by: Matt at March 7, 2005 08:25 AM
8.5x11 text only: SORE LOSER.
Actually, this is probably a pretty good opportunity to be an example of grace and taking the high road. Perhaps you could use the opportunity to talk about intellectual freedom and the arena of ideas, and the importance of behaving like an adult. This is a good opening to talk about disagreeing with people without hating them.
Just thoughts, maybe none good.
Posted by: Pat at March 7, 2005 11:01 AM