Syncophants and Apologists in Academia

Some of America's most fervent detractors are in the halls of academe. They seem to relish taking every opportunity to take jabs and pot shots at our country. As Americans they have that right - detestable though their comments may be. As a proponent of free speech, I listen to their diatribes with consternation. Such is Professor William Beeman who is the Chair of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota. He seems to relish defending and praising  Iran while ignoring that nation's obvious intentions and malfeasance. For the full story (and do read it) check out Cinnamon Stillwell. This man , Professor Beeman, has been found out by what comes out of his own mouth. 

Comments

[mad]

A little education is a dangerous thing.

[THIRDWAVEDAVE]

The university system is the last bastion of communism.

[William O. Beeman]

Here is my reply to the campus watch article. Indeed a little education is a dangerous thing, especially if you do not read the article you seek to condemn.

Dear Campus Watch,

Cinnamon Stillwell badly mischaracterizes my article published through New America Media ("University of Minnesota's William Beeman Praises Iranian Regime, Ignores Detainees"
July 26, 2007).

I do not "praise Iran" in the article, which Ms. Stillwell has not read carefully. The article explains Iranian communication dynamics, and offers advice for those who would enter into negotiations with Iranians. I explain that elaborate courtesy for both parties is a normal feature of Iranian public communication, and does not imply any actual approval or positive evaluation of the other party--as Ms. Stillwell would have her readers believe. This and other structures of Iranian communication is analyzed in my Language, Status and Power in Iran.

Dealing with the detainees was an issue that was irrelevant to the article, but for the record, I have condemned the holding of Iranian-American detainees Haleh Esfandiari and Kian Tajbakhsh in public forums, in print and directly to the Iranians themselves on their own broadcast media. In fact, I am to my knowledge the only person anywhere who has condemned these detentions on Iranian television or radio.

Best regards,

William O. Beeman

William O. Beeman

[Paul]

Mr. Beeman I read your article. Ms Stillwell and academics such as yourself are free (in this country at least) to espouse whatever cause that you so choose. And I am free to take what you say as I see fit and that does not include my being elaborately courteous to high level Iranians and mullahs. Thank you for your comments.