I appreciate the push back; it's how I learn and refine my positions.
I think it very much depends on what field you want to go into and the institution. Since I have the misfortune of having my primary academic research interests lie in the intersection of tech and society, my work is/would be unfortunately politicized. I'd also go in through Library/Information Science (which my Master's is in) if I were to get a PhD and go into research, and that particular field is STEEPED in rightthink.
I'm happy to hear that you had a positive experience, and it's definitely possible. It's just harder to find that than it used to be, and the opportunity cost for trying is very high.
> It's absolutely critical for our society that there be real institutions where policy critics can survive.
100% agree. I'd love for academia to grow a spine and assert itself.
(I did debate leaving the country, but as someone with a disability that isn't a permanent option.)
I think it very much depends on what field you want to go into and the institution. Since I have the misfortune of having my primary academic research interests lie in the intersection of tech and society, my work is/would be unfortunately politicized. I'd also go in through Library/Information Science (which my Master's is in) if I were to get a PhD and go into research, and that particular field is STEEPED in rightthink.
I'm happy to hear that you had a positive experience, and it's definitely possible. It's just harder to find that than it used to be, and the opportunity cost for trying is very high.
> It's absolutely critical for our society that there be real institutions where policy critics can survive.
100% agree. I'd love for academia to grow a spine and assert itself.
(I did debate leaving the country, but as someone with a disability that isn't a permanent option.)