Fraggle Rock as a metaphor for academia: a thread 👇
The dynamics of the Fraggle Rock universe revolve around the interactions between Fraggles, Doozers, Gorgs and Silly Creatures. Each has a different role to play.
Fraggles are obviously academics. Weird-looking, with questionable dress sense and each uniquely odd in their own way. Always busy, seldom actually working.
When Fraggles want advice, they seek wisdom from Marjory, a sentient trash heap. Is this better or worse than asking Google? (Note that her German name, Allwissende MĂĽllhalde, is now a slang term for search engines).
Doozers are the post-grads. They do all the real work, spending their time making elaborate constructions that the Fraggles then eat. Literally. Doozers lack awareness of the world beyond the cave.
Both Fraggles and Doozers live together in a network of caves, replicating the university campus. They rarely venture out to see sunlight or meet the other species.
The Gorgs live above the cave and consider themselves to be the masters of the universe, despite clearly being simpletons. Obviously they're the senior management team.
Finally, there's The Silly Creatures of Outer Space, which we can think of as the wider public. Silly only in the minds of the Fraggles who consistently fail to understand them or their motivations.
Assuming that most of my followers are academics, which fraggle are you? There's plenty to choose from but most will identify with one of six. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Fraggle_Rock_characters
Gobo thinks of himself as the leader, and the sensible, reasonable one. Dresses in ostensibly normal clothes but with no sense of style whatsoever. Here's your Head of School.
Mokey is the artist of the group and has clearly licked one too many frogs. Optimistic in outlook and supportive of the younger ones. Probably emeritus.
Wembley is the youngest and an indecisive, nervous wreck. Most of his problems are caused by an inability to say no. Look into the crazed eyes of the adjunct.
Boober is the smartest but prone to introspection and depression. Reads constantly, sceptical of everything, and anticipates the worst possible outcome. Lives alone. We all know Boober. Please make sure he leaves the office occasionally.
Red. Wants to be in charge, is pretty sure that she should be in charge, and gets annoyed when no-one pays attention because in fact she's usually right. Listen to Red.
Uncle Traveling Matt, the absent-minded explorer. Seldom seen in person but sends occasional letters about his adventures and achievements. Obviously he's on sabbatical.
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