Older students and the liberal arts

[OE800_85]

I'm not saying Europe has been impervious to economic collapse, but all the things I listed are still available to them. Frankly speaking, being born in America to a low-class family, particularly if you're a minority, is pretty bleak, in every way. That's something that should be fixed, but probably never will be.

About the grading issue, one possible reason is that people are experiencing a self fulfilling prophecy. You walk into class with strong beliefs, and to a professor who doesn't share yours. Instead of approaching his/her beliefs with an open mind, and a respectful, peaceful spirit of debate, you become angry, and "lose your cool" or pursue debate in a stand-offish fashion. The professor becomes angry in turn, tries to slam your idea, or perhaps gives you a bad grade out of bitterness. Thus, by having this attitude people have created this problem.

I'm not saying the professor is right in this case, but at least we can understand it better. I really believe that, if done in a respectful way, teachers are more than happy to seriously entertain debate. I was only in a B&M school for 2 years, but every one of my professors was delighted to have a serious conversation and encouraged it.