In these trying times of death and destruction, it is always important to look to established centers of American culture. In this particular case I look to that hallowed institution of higher learning: Harvard. Where else but our nation’s most well known university can we find comfort in a time of a war?
As we in the heartland are attempting to lead normal lives while simultaneously worrying about the future of human existence, the faculty at Harvard is embroiled in a he-said-he-said debate.
Cornel West, the preeminent scholar, speaker and rap artist, seems to have gotten his feelings hurt by the big bad president of the university (and former Treasury Secretary) Larry Summers. Professor West is a self-proclaimed prophet for our times. He is, in fact, a brilliant man, an amazing speaker and certainly an asset to Harvard or any university.
The trouble began in October when Summers asked West to write a scholarly textbook, and worse yet — hold your breath — teach his class. West took umbrage at what he perceived to be a racially motivated slight.
You see, Professor West is a professor of African-American studies. He has written thirteen books on racial issues, and, most recently, performed on his own spoken-word/rap album. He is also part of Harvard’s nationally renowned Afro-American Studies department, which is headed by another preeminent professor, Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Summers also asked West to be mindful of the number of As he gives out in his class, given the problems with grade inflation Ivy League schools have been experiencing of late. This is coupled with the fact that West doesn’t actually teach his class but rather uses it as a chance to advance his activist worldview, campaigning for then-presidential candidate Bill Bradley and now working on the potential candidacy of Rev. Al Sharpton.
For Summers to suggest that West was not performing his duties to the fullest capacity was apparently akin to using a racial epithet. West played the situation perfectly, threatening to quit and join the faculty of Princeton. Also, Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton came to his defense. Jackson questioned Harvard’s dedication to affirmative action, and Sharpton threatened to sue Summers for trying to keep West from working on his campaign. In the end, Summers did the expected and back-peddled, asking West for forgiveness and reaffirming Harvard’s dedication to affirmative action.
This was a genius stroke on the part of West, using white guilt to achieve his goals. In this day and age, no one can question the actions of black people — especially intellectuals — for fear of being labeled racist. The fact that West is neglecting his duties as a teacher is beside the point — he cannot be called to the mat by a white official.
For any of you out there who are in touch with reality and have a mind for current events, you’ll realize that this is ludicrous. A brilliant man such as West should be able to handle a little criticism without claiming racism or bringing in the likes of Sharpton and Jackson. I assure you that in the eyes of the world, or at least the world outside academia, having these two demagogues come to your aid is a sure sign to ignore your plight.
West’s work is important to black people in general and black intellectuals specifically. With this latest display of histrionics he has only weakened the role of the black scholar in our society. There were any number of appropriate ways to deal with the situation without playing the race card. He should never have given in to the temptation to use the institutionalized concept of the white establishment owing him something for being a black man. As a man with impeccable credentials and unbelievable opportunity, he should set an example for all and move forward with a modicum of dignity.
James P. Kent ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in economics and business management.
