Professor Valverde's "Fight the Tower" was unexpectedly powerful and compelling to read because it gives an example of just how serious the suffering and hardship caused by discrimination in academia can be. I was also completely caught off guard by how one can be blindsided by bullying like when it comes from someone who was just earlier supporting you. This reminds me of my elementary school days, where my new friend suddenly turned into a bully who spewed nothing but derogatory remarks at me, and how childish, stupid, and unfair bullying is in academia as well. It serves as more evidence to me for how corrupt adults can be regardless of their achievements or societal standing. Also almost just as unfair is how we must navigate the legal and social system to stand our ground, make our case, and fight the good fight. For example, Professor Valverde had to refrain from getting help for her disabilities, but the department would make excuses to avoid giving financial support (Valverde, p. 285). Overall, reading this article enlightened me that adult society is still ridden with discriminatory practices, and that we must garner allies and attention to effectively fight the corrupt policies of higher institutions, but it disappoints me to see that we haven't advanced much in proper treatment of other people.
Visual: Keynote speech by Anna Akana on her experience in being Asian in entertainment. Discrimination exists in other institutions just like they do in academia.
Question: Will discrimination continue to exist several decades from now after old people holding onto old values no longer exist among executive positions in institutions?
References
Anna Akana. (2016, July 26). Anna Akana - Asians in Entertainment Keynote [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sph7kCxlNZo
Valverde, K. (2013). Fight the Tower: A Call to Action for Women of Color in Academia. Seattle Journal for Social Justice, 12(2), 367-419.
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