Just noticed a comment at LGF that had a link to a course assignment by an English professor at California State on the topic of "argument".
There are many suggested topics on which to take a position and write an argument essay. Perusing them is amusing. Some look like fun, such as arguing for or against the existence of Bigfoot. That's an allowed argument topic.
Then there are several that are obviously biased far Left, especially as the recommendations of articles to read on the issue; only anti-gun articles are suggested on the gun-control argument topics, for example.
How about this topic:
38. The Electoral College, or how can we more democratically elect our presidents?That implicitly assumes a more democratically elected president is desireable.
Or this one:
44. Is it right for the Bush Administration to use the War on Terrorism for political or commercial purposes?So, Dr. Snider, have you stopped beating your wife yet?
Or this:
52...Do you agree that America has lost its "moral authority" in the world because of this immoral war?Objection! Leading!
Ok, so he has an agenda. No big surprise. But the really interesting thing is his section on "Subjects to Avoid". NO PAPERS will be accepted on a handful of topics, including
4. Topics on which there is, in my opinion, no other side apart from chauvinistic, religious, or bigoted opinions and pseudo-science... For example, see Terrence McNally's "Just a Love Story," Los Angeles Times, 13 February 2004: B15. McNally correctly concludes that those who oppose same-sex marriage do so for one reason: homophobia. "Homophobia," as Robert Goss points out, "is the socialized state of fear, threat, aversion, prejudice, and irrational hatred of the feelings of same-sex attraction" (Jesus Acted Up: A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto, New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1993: 1). In other words, homophobia is to gays and lesbians what racism is to people of color. Neither homophobia nor racism can be tolerated in civilized, rational debate; therefore, I will not accept either as arguments, however disguised, in your papers.Just like a Lefty to shut down debate by calling it racist or homophobic. Certain subjects are just beyond discussion -- even in a college course on the art of argument!
How ironic is that?
It sounds more like an article of Faith; Leftism as religion.
Never mind that I addressed same-sex marriage here, and was very careful to make no appeals at all to religion or morality, or even to gayness per se, but instead made an argument based on social utility and inherent biology.
But that's all just disguised homophobia, and by fiat, intolerable.
Well this Doctor has a word for Dr. Snider: Your ignorance may be invincible to Logic; but Reality, like the clue-by-four that is speeding towards your head, is that which does not go away when you stop believing in it.
UPDATE: Others are taking this guy to task too! Apparently he's even worse in class!
