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Understanding Does Not Require Direct Experience
Anne Cassebaum
To the Editor: In response to P. D. Lesko’s criticism of my article, "Crossing Class Lines," published in the July–August 2001 issue of Academe, it is easy to agree that it is less impressive than the work of Nellie Bly. I would, however, argue that it is useful; I tried what I ask my target audience, other insider faculty, to try—live one month on the pay and in the perspective of an adjunct.
Can only one who is an adjunct understand the experience, as Lesko suggests? Adjuncts who responded to me said my findings were "right on the mark," to quote one letter. Though I have experienced both tenured and adjunct status in past decades, I would maintain that human understanding is not limited to direct experience.
Lesko argues that my imaginings and observations are only empathy. But "the prodding of our colleagues to open their metaphorical and physical eyes, and see us," as another adjunct phrased it, was my goal. Some of those who responded to me cited survival needs for not sending on their insights to Academe, so greater job security is one more reason that insider faculty need to wake up to the equity issues and be allies.
Is empathy enough? Of course not. But it is part of the first step in "educate, organize, agitate." Insider faculty need to use their position to work for change and to organize with adjuncts. In the important work of organizing adjuncts, Lesko has been a leader. I think tenured and adjunct faculty will act in solidarity if empathy is there first. From what I have seen and heard from others, we can’t assume it is.
Anne Cassebaum
(English)
Elon College
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