Thursday, May 2, 2024

history: book learning vs. learning by experience


In this article a college professor explains the similarities between college protests in 2024 and 1968. 

There's one BIG problem. The interviewee, Frank Guridy--a professor at Columbia University, wasn't alive in 1968.

So, who has the best perspective on the 1960s? a 52 year old college professor or a 77 year old who graduated from college in 1968? The answer is obvious.

In the 1960s, the US government drafted young men into the military. For those who weren't alive during the 1960s, it wasn't just professional sports teams selecting athletes to play on their teams. It was the US government grabbing young men in the prime of their lives to fight in the Vietnam war. The draft ended in 1973--more than 50 years ago. 

Needless to say, in 2024 college students and some of their professors don't have a clue. Accordingly, the 2024 minds of mush award goes to those college students and some of their professors who don't have a clue.



College students, if you want to know what it was like in the 1960s, then ask your grandfather or some other old guy who served in the military in the 1960s. If you don't have a grandfather who served in the military in the 1960s, then watch Forrest Gump--a movie starring Tom Hanks. Other Vietnam war films can be found at: 

After you've completed this assignment, then ask yourself this question: 
Is there really an "uncanny" resemblance between college protests in 2024 and 1968?

The answer is no.