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The Forum > Article Comments > The role of academics in a time of troubles > Comments

The role of academics in a time of troubles : Comments

By Peter West, published 27/7/2005

Peter West argues there are times and circumstances when academic freedom can justifiably be curtailed.

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I heard Fraser being interviewed on Radio National last night and he trotted out the same claims he wrote for his local newspaper. It was Michael Duffy's program "Counterpoint' and true to Duffy's fundamentalist defense of quasi right wing commentary (no matter who or what is being espoused) Duffy called Fraser’s chastisement by the university an “attack on liberalism”.

During this interview Frazer did not offer up theory or counter theory to substantiate or support his claims about African IQ's and how increased black populations lead to increased crime.

Duffy's interview style was, as usual, sickeningly acquiescent, excitable and leading.

In fact all Frazer offered was his own personal opinion with some reference to literature that he did not cite in full.

No attempt was made to discuss the history, moral or ethical issues relating to race theory or racism. He sounded like he was reading right off a Pauline Hanson (or John Stone, I can’t tell them apart anymore) speech.

I feel sorry or Frazer. He’s obviously not stupid. But it appears that he does not understand that being an Associate Professor does not mean you are well read and scholarly in any area you choose to publicly write or speak on. It’s a good thing he’s retiring.

If Frazer can make it too Associate Professor at Maquarie university then this is in itself is a good example of liberalism but also a lousy example of what should be rigorous scholarship in academia.

Follow this link to read the transcript: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/counterpoint/stories/s1424337.htm
Posted by Rainier, Wednesday, 3 August 2005 9:21:15 AM
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