Ideology in My Controversy

After evaluating a variety of sources that discuss the controversy of censorship on college campuses, I've found some common ideas, themes, and arguments, or ideologies.

Image by Nelson, Zachary. "Intolerance at UKN 6" taken on 9/13/05 via Flickr.
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license. 

1. Who is involved in the controversy?

The two sides in the argument are the students that feel attacked and their supporters, and the majority of professors and their supporters. There are some teachers who are careful not to offend any students, but most of them want to teach their class their way.

If someone is offended by the topics, they either need to talk to the professor personally or find another class (I outright had a professor this semester say if we're easily offended by strongly liberal views to drop his class).

2. Who are some of the major speakers/writers within these groups? 

Most of the people in this discussion are somehow involved either with politics or education. Some psychologists have gotten involved as well. While the topic is mostly an argument of politics and policies, it's fascinating from a psychological perspective. It'll be interesting in the coming years to see how babying young adults affects them later in life.

3. What type of social/cultural/economic/political power does each group hold?

Students typically have little say in the rules that they are expected to follow, but lots of students speaking out about something generally draws attention. The teachers have more expertise and sway, but a group of upset students can result in change.

Most political and psychological experts who have gotten involved in the controversy tend not to agree with the students. There are some that do agree, however, and that is why this issue is ongoing.

4. What recourses are available to different positions?

The professors and their supporters have data and evidence. The students have personal stories of how trigger topics have hurt them or reminded them of a past traumatic experience. It's a common case of one side appealing to our heads, and another appealing to our hearts. It's yet to be seen in this case which approach will be more effective.

5. What does each group value?

The students value their comfort and sense of security. They are unwilling to entertain a point of view that differs from their own. The professors value a comprehensive education that challenges students to think in new ways and see things from a different perspective.

6. What counts as evidence for the different positions? 

Religion or personal comfort are the main sources of evidence that the students use. The teachers use evidence that learning broadens world views and increases tolerance. Also, the fact that college students are adults factors in; if they can't handle the sensitive topics, they should not be in that particular class.

Image by Masses, Peter. "Censored" taken 5/24/11 via Flickr.
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license. 

7. Is there a power differential between the groups? 

The professors, politicians, and psychologists involved in this controversy all hold more power because they are knowledgable and experienced. The students feel like they have more power because they are passionate and angry. Anger can only get an argument so far when it isn't backed with real facts or evidence. 

8. Is there any acknowledged common ground between the groups?

I think that most teachers will be understanding if a student comes to them to say that they feel uncomfortable. But they can't be expected to tailor their courses so that they don't offend anyone. That would be impossible because everyone is sensitive to different topics. The teachers don't set out trying to offend anyone, but sometimes there is no way around it, depending on their subject matter. 

9. Is there any unacknowledged common ground? 

Both sides are so caught up in their beliefs that they are unwilling to find compromise or a common ground. Professors do care about the wellbeing of their students, but they also have to teach the class that they were hired to teach. 

10. Do the various groups listen to each other? 

The students and the professors are unwilling to entertain the opposing perspective. While acknowledging their common ground is a step in the right direction, it doesn't seem to have led to any progress being made, yet.