Fact is, I have an aversion only to those people who believe that there is only one truth and one way to explain the social world; who dismiss others’ views as, “they don’t know anything”; who are the most egregious apologists and defenders of the most unspeakable physical (fomenting of war, invasions and occupations) and structural violence (structural adjustment and colonial notions of “good governance”) against people of the developing world – and seem to absolve themselves by citing the works and ideas of modern-day Janisseries and elites from the developing world – who present a litany of facts as if facts are not assembled by humans.

I actually agree with Huntington when he said:

“The West won the world not by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion but rather by its superiority in applying organized violence. Westerners often forget this fact, non-Westerners never do.”

My students are humble, engaged and intelligent people. I told them, on the very first day of class, that I will never treat them like fools or ignoramuses. I came to teaching because I want to expose them to all the ideas that shape or affect our world, and not turn them into clones of myself and/or the people whose ideas I may value.

See you around….

I look forward to taking one of your classes.

Ismail