Friday, October 16, 2009

Ivory Tower: An Evaluation of Writing in the Academic World

Hunter Hammond

According to numerous college professors across the country it is felt that writing should take on a purely academic heir with little or no attempt to reach the general public. Gail Hornstein, professor of psychology and author of Prune that Prose, articulates that it is more important to learn how to write in a way that is both pleasurable for the audience and informative. Dr. Hornstein goes further to explain that too many scholars realize this truth late in life and miss out on many of the opportunities that are contingent upon writing.

By evaluating writing, it is possible to look upon the entire institution of higher learning and evaluate if in fact academia has become too academic. A concept known as the "Ivory Tower" has been coined to describe a sense of academic elitism among those in higher education. This concept is not a new one; however, its relation with academics is slightly different than its usual usage. Empirically, an "Ivory Tower" is used to denote when a society or aspect of society has become elite in their thinking and arrogant in their actions. In context to higher education, the "Ivory Tower" represents a certain mindset.

This is evidenced by looking at writing among academics. According to Dr. Hornstein, the academic community has taken on the mentality that only those who are "proven" to be experts in their field have anything worthy to say. Hornstein believes that it is imperative to always write from the heart and write in a way that reaches across the intellectual spectrum.

While Dr. Hornstein points out a valid and essential argument, it is also important to know that a balance is necessary in all disciplines. Writing academically is important and is something that must be learned (especially for people involved in higher education); it is equally true that people know how to reach a general populace in order to spread knowledge and resources.

The concept and fear behind the "Ivory Tower" is an important thing to recognize; however, it is also necessary to incorporate the "Ivory Tower" into society.

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