I am currently struggling with writing about tribalism. I am not sure when the post will be finished, and the more I think about tribalism the more I see tribalism in everything from genes, to religions, to politics, etc. Also, I see hypocrisy from all directions of the political map and it is very challenging to look on tribalism without emotions regarding my own tribalism. So… the next post may take a while to finish.
In the meanwhile, I have a personal anecdote which may indicate the future direction of the liberal academic teachings. I recently ‘argued’ with a easy-going feminist who is a graduate student on the subject of disabilities. (I didn’t have any expectations for actual discussion, but this feminist is actually pretty friendly and civil and I am interested in being up-to-date with non-internet academic BS.)
The conversation was something like the following:
Her argument: The current academic theory on disability is that disabled people are only disabled due to social constructs. If society was constructed differently they will be able to do everything that able-body people can do. Society must ensure equality and be redesigned so that disabled people can do everything able-body people can. Discrimination against the disabled must end.
My argument: People are not equal. Society should try to help the disabled, but we shouldn’t enforce equality. Society should be constructed to optimize allocation of the resources for everybody’s benefit, not to force unequal people to be equal. (I gave an example of a university course which in order to be ‘equal’ needs significant funds to cater each possible kind of disability, which in turn lowers the quality of the course for most people.)
Her second argument: Wow, I knew you hate feminists and liberals, but I didn’t know you hate disabled people, wow.
Imagine two researchers arguing about quantum theory and one answers the other by “you hate quantum theory.” I wish the disabled the best and I love all people, I really do. However, I respect humanity less and less each day… most people are just emotional junkies. The greatest gift of mankind, the ability to think, is just a tool for them manipulate in order to feel good about oneself.
(Note, she said ‘wow’ twice, just like the internet feminists. I guess it is truly amazing to her that people with my opinions exist in 2014.)
