Higher Education? - A Poem
Ideological conformity
Academic conditioning
The open-minded youth
Needing guidance
Offensive viewpoints
Critical appraisal
Questions
Challenges
They’ve renamed them
Hate Speech
The Constitution you say?
Not in the classroom
Censorship
Speech codes
Don’t offend
Or be unorthodox
You’ll be silenced
Then shamed
Rounded up like cattle
Driven away
Ridiculed
In the name of Education
Or indoctrination
Who holds the power?
Not a student one
Reasoning won’t overcome
Passions and paychecks
Funding from someone
Materialism, sexism, feminism
Darwinism, and rationalism
Social studies
Political Correctness
Talking, talking, shouting
No voice but their own
The echoes forever haunting
Once hallowed halls
Where matriculation
Meant challenging the norm
Opinions without bias
Worthwhile learning
No topic taboo
No theory settled
No ridicule
Intellectual gain
Without repercussion
Minds molded
Leaders, Scientists, Teachers
Doctors, Journalists
Philosophers and Poets
Related
Comments
AUTHORthank you fellow Idahoan ! Too bad that things have gotten so bad - my son brings home common core math homework that is mind boggling
Education has indeed changed, hasn't it. And in spite of the complaints of "common core" or other academic methodologies, the biggest change may be in our institutions of higher learning. They are not what they used to be.
What you have put into verse demonstrates a lot of what is wrong. Nice work.
- AUTHOR
When I hear of the Democratic candidates using free college as part of their platform, I shudder - anything given away loses value. As the Master's Degree has replaced the Bachelor's degree as the defining point of educational achievement, I fear this may up the ante to the PhD level.
RJ nice poem. My real thoughts on higher education are it should never come cheap in the US. Hard work and a proper higher education always win in the end. This liberal PC world today on many college campus' makes it seem that everything comes for free.
Most creative poetry. Thanks for the education.
- AUTHOR
Provocative thinking Eldon - all ideas might lend themselves to be adopted by everyone but shouldn't that be by choice? Limiting students to predetermined topics makes them close minded robots with a penchant for narrow mindedness in all they do.
- AUTHOR
breakfastpop - I see you are one of the ones who "get it" - I just cannot understand how much some people hate this country - they must not realize how good they have it here.
- AUTHOR
The real learning seems to come from how we interact with others and if we are lucky, learn from their words. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts manatita
- AUTHOR
Thanks for reading Jodah - as always I appreciate your encouragement and support. Hubpages is lucky to have you.
An interesting take on Higher Education today. Much food for thought here. Good poem.
An interesting, challenging and thought-provoking one, Bro. How times have changed!
Our students are being brainwashed by professors who despise the Constitution and free speech, unless they are the ones speaking. Your poem perfectly describes the state of education today.
If one wants to do well in our society, they must be inclusive, believe in equality, tolerance and especially love. Times have changed. No longer just working hard and saving your money will guarantee success. Thought provoking piece of poetry.
Is it possible that all ideas are conformist RJ? Since 'non-conformity' from Liberal or Conservative schools conform to certain conventions. Sometimes the same, and some times disparate. Still, I think you're on to something. Thank you for this poem sir. The old collegiate systems were meant to make gentlemen. Today, I do not surmise they do.
Best of wishes towards your poetry,
-E.G.A.
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