WHEN TRUTH MEETS FEAR

Lennard J Davis is a professor of liberal arts and science and a distinguished Professor of
English and a Professor of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at
Chicago. He is the author of numerous books on disability and deafness such as Enforcing
Normalcy, The Disability Studies Reader, and The End of Normal. He is awarded The John
Simon Guggeheim Foundation Award in 2003 and his famous book My sense of silence has
also ben awarded as The National Book in 2001 by Illinois Press at Chicago. Some of his
other famous articles are Diversity and Disability, Dependency and Justice, Obsession and
art, Edward Said’s Humanism , Bio-cultures: A Manifesto and many more. Lastly, Lennard J
Davis is an influential American Scholar who makes significant contributions in topic related
to Disability, Identity and Cultural Theory.

As of 2024, The Chronicle Review of Higher Education remains a leading source of news,
analysis, and commentary on issues impacting colleges and universities. These topics reflect
broader concerns about governance, technology, and the evolving mission of higher
education institutions.

Beyond these, Dangerous ideas continues to explore public perceptions of higher education
revealing significant divides in how different demographics view the value and role of
society, culture and norms today. Certainly! When discussing the " Dangerous ideas ” we're
talking about a prominent facts that focuses on higher education news, trends, and issues.
Dangerous ideas is a valuable resource for academics, administrators, and anyone involved in
the educational and political sector.

Here’s a critical explanation of its impact and relevance:

Dangerous ideas is well-regarded for its comprehensive reporting on higher education issues.
It covers a wide range of topics, from policy changes and administrative challenges to faculty
issues and student experiences. This depth helps readers stay informed about important
developments and trends. The article often features analysis and commentary from experts in
the field, providing valuable insights into complex issues. This expertise helps readers
understand the broader implications of news and trends in today’s upcoming society. The
article also includes a variety of viewpoints, from institutional leaders to students and faculty.
This diversity of voices can offer a more nuanced understanding of society issues. For
administrators and policymakers, Dangerous ideas serves as an important resource for
making informed decisions. Its reports and analyses can help shape strategies and policies
within higher education and political institutions.

Here are some of my insights from the article :

Firstly, the author speaks about how and when the ideas could be considered DANGEROUS.
He explains it by quoting one of his experiences, saying that back then, when he gave a talk
on disability studies, one among his audience questioned saying what would have happened if
others didn't agree with the author's argument, which in turn would question the basic
foundation of the field and put him in the trap by giving rise to dangerous ideas. By quoting
this, he means to convey that he has a fear of expressing his thoughts. But in my opinion, the
author shouldn't give a second thought about the audience's reaction and should keep
focusing on expressing his point of view because communication of ideas, thoughts and
emotions is the most fundamental principle to bring development and well-being in society.
Showing empathy and concern for others is one of the key characteristics of oneself; thus,
I believe that one should always express one's love and feelings for the other because
expressing thoughts creates a positive feeling, which spreads positive energy and positive
feelings in society. Therefore academe is a place for free exchange of ideas and it should
continue irrespective of nature of audience.

Next, the author observes that the argument of "Dangerous Ideas" can be witnessed in the
context of Feminism and Postcolonial studies, where scholars debate whether there are any
universal rights that apply to all bodies. Specifically to those who believe that bodily integrity
is a universal right, practices like clitoridectomies in Sub-Saharan deserts are performed,
which is the utmost violation of a pubescent girl's rights, and this calls for global intervention.
A cultural relativist believes that Western norms should not be imposed on other cultures and
that the above-mentioned practice needs to be negotiated by the Sub-Saharan Africans
themselves. Thus, when the thoughts of universality and relativism come together, the notion
of Dangerous Ideas emerges. YES, the author's observation about dangerous ideas above said
is appreciable, But that cannot be the sole reason for a person to cease from practicing a
culture and it is always one's choice to follow a custom or not. Therefore, one should not give
up one's culture to prove the universe right; I feel everyone has a right to follow his/her
traditions and customs unless it causes no harm to others. Here, I conclude by saying
traditions should be followed and practised until there is a cause of damage to oneself or
others.
The author cites another example to prove the point of Dangerous Ideas by mentioning the
emerging movements such as structuralism or deconstruction, where he says that people's
thought that the deconstruction of society that is the questioning about the societal norms and
development due to the imposition of new theories in the society would weaken peoples
thought to express statements about justice and equality. Still, in reality, deconstruction gave
people their rights to view and make logical persuasions which in return benefited the
decision makers to make better laws. This embedment of new theories and fear of people not
expressing their emotions would give rise to Dangerous Ideas. Here I would like to express
my opinion saying that people should not be afraid of expressing themselves because of the
development of new theories in society as the theories or norms are introduced for their
betterment and everybody in society has his/her right to communicate their opinions.
Expression of authentic ideas is necessary for development as it is said, "No one is perfect; no
one has it all." Lastly, the contribution of reasonable and satisfactory opinions would always
help in the progress of society.

Lastly, I would like to conclude my review by saying that ,the author Lenard J Davis ,plays
with the language of thoughts and mind, this jumble between the two things takes you the
road which is never ending. This article written by the author keeps your mind in dynamism ,
this is introduced to keep the thoughts roaming so that exploration of new ideas erupt in the
stable mind. This mind game is the ultimate task on which we are put and this task of
understanding the normal or critique view, we are exposed to new hidden ideas and thoughts
of our mind. And coming to the conclusion of the critical analysis of the article we keep on
(Beating around the bush) rotating around the article written by Lennard J davis.