If your industry was not fundamentally set up to misrepresent, deceive and suppress those who would tell the unbiased, full truth, you would not have a credibility problem. Your problem is one of motive and dishonesty, not public perception. The public thinks you are a bunch a lying creeps because you ARE a bunch of lying creeps.
Humanities professors are among the slimiest creatures in the country. They are on par with paparazzi, lounge singers, personal injury lawyers, used car salesmen, Nigerian princes who offer business deals on the internet, and talent agents for child stars.