“I’ve learned to hold popular opinion of no value”
-Alexander Hamilton
Lawrence Summers of Harvard University, on January 14th, suggested that congenital attributes may be a factor in explaining statistical disproportions in the workforce: women may be innately less proficient at science. This is a questionable scientific statement, but the political ramifications were unquestionable. The onslaught by students, faculty, media outlets, alumni, and protestors indicates a startling fact: for the first time in Harvard’s almost 350 year tenure, the influence of the outside has eclipsed the influence of the inside. Freedom to say what you believe, though preserved legislatively, is regulated by popular mentality.
As the information age whirls around us, it is important to understand the pervasive influence of national mindset on the fate of unpopular opinion. I do not agree with Mr. Summers’ denigration of women, but I do believe that scientific theories, even those that transcend to political hot-buttons, deserve a place in our great marketplace of ideas, especially in one of the most prestigious academic forums in the world.
The Harvard administration has been functioning self-sufficiently far longer than the government it presides under. If the assailment of Lawrence Summers causes his resignation, this will act as proof to the suppressive powers of public opinion. The free exchange of ideas within an institution rooted in intellect should be celebrated, not stifled.
Alexis de Tocqueville, after exploring "I know of no country in which, speaking generally, there is less independence of mind and true freedom of discussion than in America [...] As long as the majority is still undecided, discussion is carried on; but as soon as its decision is irrevocably pronounced, everyone is silent, and the friends as well as the opponents of the measure unite in assenting to its propriety”
Tocquiville, along with James Madison in Federalist 51, argue the importance of the preservation of the weakest factions of ideas against the tyranny of the majority. Same same holds true even today. I too believe that the true infringement on liberty is not by the elites within
5 comments:
Dear Max,
My name is Tamika Spearman. I have been toiling for many years, and think you are a complete biggot and male pig. Insulting women is degrading and foolish. So, jive turkey post another racist statement and you'll meet my 45.
LOL! I hope there was some behind-the-scenes joke here. I didn't think the the far-left spent their time hunting "jive turkeys" with 45's.
Matt Yglesias (I read his blog daily) had a good post a while back addressing the issue, and how it's more inter-office politics against Summers than actual outrage over his suggestion.
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/1897544
You might want to check out Andrew Sullivan's posts during mid-February.
Peace, Flowers, and other Namby-Pamby Liberal Tidings,
--Jake
hey max i like this blog
Harvard is for rich slobs of this country. We shouldn't be worrying about this. We should be worrying about the ordinary person, the one who has to fight to survive. I dont want to listen to these fat rich slobs roll around in there millions of dollars.
I agree with Maximus12345 that the resignation of Lawrence appropriately shows the suppressive powers of public opinion, which clearly sucks for Lawrence, but much the same way he has the right to say as he pleases, so does the public and he chooses whether or not he will take the publics opinion into consideration or just suck it up.
And For the anonymous piece of crap who thinks his opinion matters in this sweet blog, he is free to go choke on it. If you dont like what Max is talking about, dont read it. You dont need to be an A-hole and put stupid comments up.
Also i have been wondering what Liberal means since u started this piece of internet art.
P.S. Visit "Body By Zou" 1205 Route 35
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