Black = Education-less?

[MzDoctaKay]

Thanks, soror. Somehow your point of view takes the bite out of the situation. I appreciate your post.

So then I have to ask: How do you handle it? When placed in a similar position, do you defend yourself/give an explanation; try to educate them; or simply walk away?

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by MzDoctaKay

So then I have to ask: How do you handle it? When placed in a similar position, do you defend yourself/give an explanation; try to educate them; or simply walk away?

It depends on who I'm talking to and how they come at me.

I was at a conference and was "confronted" by a practitioner who said that academics aren't in the trenches enough for our opinions to count. I just proceeded to explain to him that many academics aren't just sitting behind a computer. We have field experience and even personal experiences that contribute to our research and teaching. I then told him that the false dichotomy between academics and activism takes away from our collective efforts. There are so many more important things to spend time discussing and doing.

He wanted to debate with me, which usually I would enjoy, but I realized he really was guilty of what he was criticizing us for===>speaking on something he had little to no REAL knowledge and experience with. So I smiled and turned around to address a more entertaining conversation to my left.

[MzDoctaKay]

I believe that many speak in an effort to challenge - not render a solution!