Seeking Liberty Within an Oppressive System Through Satire

• In Event: 44.085 - Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: 44.085-2 - Politics of Education SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The narratives in this paper utilize satire and metaphor to critically examine and artistically express experiences of oppression within academia. The focus of the stories is each narrator’s own political experiences revolving around how the groupthink phenomenon suppresses scholarly dialogue, promotes mediocrity, incites micro-aggressive behaviors, and retains the status quo.

Mediocrity and divisiveness tend to rule in this type of political setting where ingroups (groupthink) organically emerge and gain power and outgroups (congenial heretics) are systematically curbed in programmatic and institutional involvement. Strategies or approaches for ensuring that one’s scholarly voice is heard, acknowledged, and considered are narratively explored to effectively challenge the growing trend of pedestrian processes that subdue progress within academia.

Authors

• Denise M. McDonald, University of Houston - Clear Lake

• Carol A. Carman, University of Houston - Clear Lake

• Cheryl J. Craig, Texas A&M University

• Caroline M. Crawford, University of Houston - Clear Lake