― Mahatma Gandhi
I was in a foul mood after reading the Dean's letter and venting about it with Ari and Lev.
I never lecture when I'm angry or upset, let alone enraged, but had no choice―it was too late to cancel the class.
And to think my friends were worried about spoiling my breakfast...well, try lecturing when you're soured not only by a letter but by the whole state of education, or for that matter, society and the world where my students are going to spend the rest of their lives.
Ironically, today I was lecturing on ancient Greece and the first democracy. After the morning's events I wasn't exactly inspired.
But the lecture went surprisingly well considering my state of mind, however, at the end of class I answered questions that proved my downfall.
Paul Britton, a self-styled libertarian was asking pointed questions that attacked any style of government and he got into an argument with Dolores Larkin, a beautiful but headstrong co-ed who was more than able to hold her own in an argument.
They were disputing whether we even lived in a true democracy. I found the discussion entertaining until Dolores asked my opinion.
"What do you think, Professor Learner," she asked, "is our society a true democracy?"
I tried to hedge my answer.
"It all depends on whether the government respects free speech and the rights of the voters to elect their own choice of candidate in elections."
Hearing this, Britton got strident. "How can you say we live in a true democracy if the National Party will only favour conservative, right-wing views?"
The students looked expectantly at me. I couldn't lie, but had to say something.
"I think you make a good point, Paul―we have to respect others' opinions and choices and uphold minority rights as well."
The silence in the classroom was tangible. "That's it for today," I announced. "tomorrow we'll examine Direct Democracy and whether or not that is practical in a modern context."
Ari was waiting outside the lecture room.
"Hey Alex, I wanted to update you on the latest feedback from Nestor Marx but couldn't help overhearing your answer. Those remarks could get you in trouble you know."
I nodded soberly, "I know, but I couldn't lie―after all, I am an educator and if I misrepresent the truth then what is my purpose here?"
"Don't get me wrong―you're preaching to the choir here," he said, "I'm going to face the same challenges from a sociological perspective. Maybe my father was right―I should have chosen a safe profession like dentistry."
We both laughed, but his point was well taken. It was getting hard to avoid being labelled as a dissenter when a direct question demanded a direct answer.
My father had his own views as well and wanted me to be a mechanical engineer, but I was not about to bemoan a road not taken.
I felt Ari, Lev and I were here for a time such as this when a few good people could still make a difference and I was determined to do just that.