Read on Twitter
I want to clarify something to everyone who feels uncomfortable that #AcademicTwitter is "skewed toward negative experiences."
Having a space to discuss systemic issues that are extremely difficult to share IRL is one of the most positive things to happen to #academia. 1/
Having a space to discuss systemic issues that are extremely difficult to share IRL is one of the most positive things to happen to #academia. 1/
1. Overheard: "We are making incoming researchers anxious."
Talking about systemic racism, sexism, ableism, and more IS uncomfortable. That's the point. It is the RESPONSIBILITY of current academics to be transparent about the VERY REAL problems of #academia. 2/
Talking about systemic racism, sexism, ableism, and more IS uncomfortable. That's the point. It is the RESPONSIBILITY of current academics to be transparent about the VERY REAL problems of #academia. 2/
1 (cont). Given that systemic change is slow, transparency equips researchers to navigate broken systems so that they are more likely to have positive experiences and make informed decisions.
Also, nobody wants to work in a field that has a culture of silencing and secrets. 3/
Also, nobody wants to work in a field that has a culture of silencing and secrets. 3/
1 (cont). The amazing @SusannaLHarris nailed it in this tweet 
4/ https://twitter.com/SusannaLHarris/status/1292139926092472321
4/ https://twitter.com/SusannaLHarris/status/1292139926092472321
2. Overheard: " #AcademicTwitter is a skewed view of academia."
The stories on #AcademicTwitter are by academics who experienced REAL injustice and pain due to heavily documented systemic issues. These stories ARE representative of #academia. 5/
The stories on #AcademicTwitter are by academics who experienced REAL injustice and pain due to heavily documented systemic issues. These stories ARE representative of #academia. 5/
2 (cont). If you don't share the experiences described in these stories, reflect on why that is. What are your privileges?
Educate yourself about the systemic issues, and consider being an ally to fight problems that may not impact you directly. 6/
Educate yourself about the systemic issues, and consider being an ally to fight problems that may not impact you directly. 6/
3. Overheard: "I'm reluctant to share positive experiences because it looks like bragging."
Celebrating accomplishments and appreciating positivity is a fantastic form of #selfcare. At the same time, there is complexity to positive experiences in problematic systems. 7/
Celebrating accomplishments and appreciating positivity is a fantastic form of #selfcare. At the same time, there is complexity to positive experiences in problematic systems. 7/
3 (cont). Most notably, are your positive experiences due to privilege in systems of inequity?
IMO, celebrating positivity that comes at the expense of continual oppression and abuse of marginalized groups is distasteful.
PS. Take the time to read #BlackintheIvory. 8/
IMO, celebrating positivity that comes at the expense of continual oppression and abuse of marginalized groups is distasteful.
PS. Take the time to read #BlackintheIvory. 8/
Does this thread indicate that we should silence everything positive about #academia? No.
The messages are:
1. Transparent conversations are crucial.
2. Reflect on the role of privilege in positive experiences.
3. Non-inclusive #academia is NOT something to celebrate. 9/
The messages are:
1. Transparent conversations are crucial.
2. Reflect on the role of privilege in positive experiences.
3. Non-inclusive #academia is NOT something to celebrate. 9/
Ultimately, I'm going to sum up with the following tweet 10/10 https://twitter.com/xiaofei_lin/status/1287417395011661824
10/10 https://twitter.com/xiaofei_lin/status/1287417395011661824
