Have you ever thought it would be cool to have a pilot's license? To have the freedom to fly whenever you wanted to do it? Or to do a solo sky-diving jump? Well, not only do those freedoms come with responsibilities (although I am not so sure about the sky-diving...that may just be pure fun), they also come at a significant cost. Literally. You have to pay so much for lessons from the accredited individuals/organisations that you are kinda just purchasing this privilege. Yes, there is work that goes along with it. So it's like steroids: if you have the money to buy and the time to tone, you'll get that buffed body you so desire...
Anyway, my whole point for this meandering post is that I've likened academic success to these endeavors. There is a large amount of privilege and circumstance that gives some folks an advantage over others. Much as individuals who want to fly but can't afford private lessons can learn to fly through joining the Air Force (potentially), there are those who work extra-hard to succeed while there are others who can buy their way into a higher level on the ladder towards Success. (Kinda like indulgences...)
So I can have my papers accepted at conferences, which is an affirmation in my ability to write a better/more relevant abstract than someone else (I've been assured there are people turned away from conferences, although I have not encountered anyone yet), but I still am expected to pay admittance to the club/organisation hosting the conference. But it's like buying time in the air with a trained professional...I get to be next to more experienced academics and, possibly, elevate my status or build the skills necessary to progress in academia. After all, presenting at a conference is one way to get published and getting published sufficiently is a requirement for tenured teaching positions at most research institutions.
Perhaps I am having a cynical moment...I know I've had a cynical day...but I am still aware that I am kinda buying access to sharing my ideas.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment