liveonearth (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
liveonearth) wrote2007-05-02 12:09 pm
liveonearth) wrote2007-05-02 12:09 pm
Biochemistry Professor Admits to Having No Self Control
In chemistry 360 I sit in the middle of the front row, between a wannabe veterinarian, and a wannabe doctor. The potential vet is a professional dog trainer named Monica. Sometimes she brings her canine to class. The dog wears a vest that says "Don't pet me, I'm a working dog". The dog lies behind her chair and does not move for the entire 50 minute class. I am convinced that Monica is really good at training canines. She competes with her dog Gritty in agility events around the west, and consistently places well, or wins.
On Monday she brought the dog to class. Just like every time before, the professor ignored the "Don't Pet Me" signage, and petted the dog. Monica has told me that this dog "likes people too much" and that usually disobedience is caused by temptations such as the professor. She rolls her eyes every time he pets the dog, and when he's out of hearing range she lambasts him for his disrespect.
This time Monica finally got it across to the professor that she really didn't want him to pet the dog, and explained why. He ignored her wishes, and petted the dog anyway. He said "It's your fault for bringing such a cute dog to class".
This statement from the professor lit up a circuit in my brain that was wired by the court trials of rapists. Rapists have used the excuse "She was asking for it" because she was wearing a short skirt, dancing, or otherwise acting suggestive of provocative. The prof's "cute dog" excuse is no different. He was saying "I have no will power in the face of the temptation of a cute dog", and also "I have the right to violate your wishes because you are in my classroom and I am the professor."
I have come to disrespect this man. I started out impressed and even a little attracted to him, but I have learned too much about the way he thinks, and I have experienced the half-assed way he treats the education of non-chemists. He might be a brilliant chemist, but he is a dunce in other departments.
On Monday she brought the dog to class. Just like every time before, the professor ignored the "Don't Pet Me" signage, and petted the dog. Monica has told me that this dog "likes people too much" and that usually disobedience is caused by temptations such as the professor. She rolls her eyes every time he pets the dog, and when he's out of hearing range she lambasts him for his disrespect.
This time Monica finally got it across to the professor that she really didn't want him to pet the dog, and explained why. He ignored her wishes, and petted the dog anyway. He said "It's your fault for bringing such a cute dog to class".
This statement from the professor lit up a circuit in my brain that was wired by the court trials of rapists. Rapists have used the excuse "She was asking for it" because she was wearing a short skirt, dancing, or otherwise acting suggestive of provocative. The prof's "cute dog" excuse is no different. He was saying "I have no will power in the face of the temptation of a cute dog", and also "I have the right to violate your wishes because you are in my classroom and I am the professor."
I have come to disrespect this man. I started out impressed and even a little attracted to him, but I have learned too much about the way he thinks, and I have experienced the half-assed way he treats the education of non-chemists. He might be a brilliant chemist, but he is a dunce in other departments.
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