If there is one thing I love to do, it is debate. Nothing is more thrilling than articulating your beliefs to another person while at the same time learning about contrasting viewpoints. The latter is definitely the best part. I enjoy contrasting viewpoints so much that I spend more time reading literature that is about concepts and notions different from what I believe to be true than articles I believe are true. This includes the vast amount of conservative literature that is out on the Web. I have found there is no better place to get your daily dose of conservative viewpoints than from www.conservapedia.com.
Conservapedia dubs itself as the “trustworthy encyclopedia.” Its founder, Andrew Schlafly, felt that Wikipedia was too liberal and anti-American, and so he created the site in order to spread what he felt was truthful, pure and untainted information. Although I do not hold the right-wing viewpoints supported by Conservapedia, I sure do get a kick out of reading its articles. And sometimes, I even learn something.
There was a particular article that has sparked my interest lately. The article is entitled “Professor Values.” It seems the writers and editors of Conservapedia feel there are too many college professors who are liberal and this has “caused a lack of morals…in the culture of many college faculties.” Conservapedia also accuses college professors of being atheist and socialist. In addition, Conservapedia refers to all public schools as atheist.
Although it is no surprise that the stereotypical college professor is very liberal, I am not so sure. I have been at Ohio State for three years. To my recollection, I have yet to have a professor who is an over-the-top liberal, atheist or socialist. Because we are the largest university in the nation, I do not believe the “Professor Values” phenomenon would pass by us. When I was in high school, I dreamed of being in college where professors made political jokes and were passionate about their beliefs. Now, after being here for a seemingly innumerable amount of credit hours, I find most professors go out of their way to not “stir the pot” and talk about controversial issues. If I am in fact oblivious to these so called “Professor Values” on this campus, I sure would like to know what I am missing.
So, my faithful readers, I am turning the tables back to you and asking for your opinion. I want to know if you feel that professors at OSU try to pass off a political platform in their lectures. Please do not name specific names, as this is not meant to be a finger-pointing affair. I am merely curious to see if you, the readers, feel that there is a bias within the faculty at OSU. Feel free to either shoot me an e-mail or post your comments on The Lantern Web site. I am really interested to hear your stories and insights.
Anthony Dipietro is a junior in mathematics and sociology. He can be reached at [email protected].
