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The recent calls to action re: #SHEAR2020 are useful, and I'm hopeful they will bring meaningful change to the structure and spirit of the organization - and perhaps to others as well.
A question remains for me, though.
What can/should we do about toxic scholars? (thread)
A question remains for me, though.
What can/should we do about toxic scholars? (thread)
First, what is that toxic scholars do?
1. Openly denigrate work of scholars they as threats to their work - in general conversation, public talks, and in published writing.
2. Speak and write in a combative styles, often attacking other scholars with "gotcha" arguments.
1. Openly denigrate work of scholars they as threats to their work - in general conversation, public talks, and in published writing.
2. Speak and write in a combative styles, often attacking other scholars with "gotcha" arguments.
3. Advocate for and amplify only a small circle of friends and students and former students.
4. Actively work against the hiring of, promotion, or elevation of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ scholars to leadership positions.
4. Actively work against the hiring of, promotion, or elevation of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ scholars to leadership positions.
5. Actively denigrate the work of historians writing and speaking outside of the academy, whether they be teachers, public historians, writers, or journalists.
6. Defend talks and writing that other scholars find offensive using the language of "free speech" and "open debate."
6. Defend talks and writing that other scholars find offensive using the language of "free speech" and "open debate."
There are probably more characteristics of toxic scholars. Feel free to add in the replies.
But now: what can and should we do about them?
This is difficult, because their actions are not illegal or actionable in the same way that sexual harassment or plagiarism are.
But now: what can and should we do about them?
This is difficult, because their actions are not illegal or actionable in the same way that sexual harassment or plagiarism are.
Some suggestions:
1. Call toxic scholars out in person (if possible), in the moment.
2. Do not give toxic scholars a major platform (such as, <ahem>, plenaries) at conferences.
3. Refuse to take part in panels, edited collections/volumes in which the toxic scholar appears.
1. Call toxic scholars out in person (if possible), in the moment.
2. Do not give toxic scholars a major platform (such as, <ahem>, plenaries) at conferences.
3. Refuse to take part in panels, edited collections/volumes in which the toxic scholar appears.
Other thoughts and suggestions?
A note that I find it egregious that we have to deal with toxic scholars at all, and take action because many in leadership positions will not.
A note that I find it egregious that we have to deal with toxic scholars at all, and take action because many in leadership positions will not.
