Ok this one is going to be short (I think). It's driven somewhat by some reactions to the Tudor Street tragedy but it's also an ongoing concern of mine.
We've all heard discussions among random people on the street about how and why people would commit such crimes. These sidewalk and rum shop experts have "solutions" to the crime problem and they know just which punishment should be meted out and to which degree. And this is all well and good. Everyone has the right to discuss what is happening in their country.
But where are our academics? The people with informed opinions. Why does it seem like they stay in their offices at UWI or where ever and neglect to apply theory to all the things that are happening around us on a daily basis?
In my mind times like these give academics a chance to show that what they do has value. But instead we hear from politicians, a handful of economists and (usually) one political scientist. Psychologists and sociologists are hardly ever heard.
However, I think there is a role for them not just on issues of crime but on most, if not all, of the issues our society faces.
In short, who better than the "learned" among us to bring some rationality to highly emotional and/or volatile events and circumstances?
I think those academics reserve their opinions out of fear. They fear going on record only to be proven wrong. It's cowardice for sure, and it does nothing for the community.
ReplyDeleteHey, Firstly you must note that in this day, Professionals are paid to deliver their comments, lets call it consultancy work and if the money isn't in place then it isnt given.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, we only tend to hear the comments of professionals when they are invited to some of the lame T.V programs on CBC TV, CBC Evenings or a small clip in the newspaper.
Thirdly, you are least likely to get an evaluation of an incidence either because those employed to do so(i.e Psychologist/ Social workers) are under strict ethical guidelines which prohibit them from elaborating on certain issues
As a result, we often get a diluted explanation for various events due to some of the medias' objectives and rumours.
Points taken. Just to take up the third point . . . they don't necessarily have to comment on specific incidents. Just general societal trends. A lot of it has to do with the media though and who they choose to use for expert opinion. If academics made enough noise though I'm sure they would be turned to more often.
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