Back in the early 70s I had a college class dealing with the limits of Gov’t power. The professor came in, maybe 5’2” and shaped like the Pillbury doughboy.
He said he felt that he should tell the class that he was a Socialist and that communism would defeat capitalism. He appeared to be eager for outraged response, ready to do battle.
Nobody said anything. The girls were filing their nails, looking bored. Guys were doodling in their notebooks.
I was embarrassed for the little guy. I felt like I should jump up and shout that he was a communist traitor or some such, at least give him a little recognition as a radical.
The class ended up being excellent. He didn’t let his political views influence the content, he was a good teacher. He also had the good sense to give me an A on the final when I argued unlimited Gov’t power would lead to totalitarianism and unlimited corruption.
He said he felt that he should tell the class that he was a Socialist and that communism would defeat capitalism.
Could it be he just did it to see how people would respond?
A professor who operated like that in today’s political climate in a fair manner would be chastised by students and administration higher-ups for not being radical enough. Ultimately he’d be fired, tenure or no tenure.