How Should I React To This Statement By My Physics Professor??

Question

I go to a major University and the topic we covered in class yesterday was about the behavior of Fluids.

In particularly, she talked about Bernoulli's Equation and Torricelli's Law. Then she said something along the lines of, "these were a bunch of italian guys that came up with these principles....probably because they are a little easier than some of the more complicated ideas..."

I couldn't believe my ears, because I'm of italian descent and I was somewhat offended by that comment. That comment insinuates that italians are idiots and can only come up with "easy" theories about physics, when in fact the Renaissane that jump-started the Enlightenment in Europe originated in Italy.

There are some 200 students in this class, so it's not like I wanted to interrupt the class to question her on her statement etc.

I also don't want to be overly sensitive, but I know she wouldn't have made that statement if they had been, say, black or asian scientists.

Should I just forget about it?

Answer 1

I'm sure that she ment no harm by her statment. It sounds like she could have been saying that the Italian's methods were better thought out and simpler because they didn't complicate it with other excess crap to seem more educated like other people. But in any case, if this made you feel uncomfortable or offended you should go talk to her. Be sure to approach her as a concerned student. Remind her of the incident, and tell her how you took her coment. Then give her a chance to explain herself. If she did infact mean this as a racist comment(and I doubt she did) and she doesn't appoligize go to her department head or your academic advisor. I'm sure as long as you aproach her in a mature manner in hopes of clarifying a situation that she will be more that happy to correct herself. And after that you will have made a positive connection with your professor which can benifit you in her class.

Answer 2

Any prejudice should be addressed. Make an appointment to talk to the prof outside of the classroom, let her know that you found it offensive, and give her a chance to apologize, and explain if that is not how she meant the statement. If she is non responsive or dissmisive, then you can escalate to the dean. Just reiterate that you are only looking for clarification, in other words take the high road, since most people do not like to admit their mistakes, but they should be made aware of them. She may never apologize but she will probably think twice before she insults another culture again.

Answer 3

No, you have genuine reasons to be feeling offended and concerned, i think you should be taking this to your superiors in a non offensive manner (Remember you are a student), or the best thing you should have done is you should have expressed your regrets in the class, that way the I'm[pact on the teacher would have been more. But again there's a difference between being Assertive and Arrogant, If you are assertive, you win!!
Note- i think Italians are SUPER - When i think of Italy, i think of Piano, Pizza, Physics! Have Fun!!

Answer 4

I totally see where you're coming from, but I don't know if it's worth getting too upset about. Unfortunately, with all the political correctness obsession that's going on in the world today - it's near impossible to lecture on anything without offending *someone*.

While I'm sure she did not mean to offend any Italians in the class, it was a bit off-color. If she continues to degrade certain ethnicities, I would bring it up with a supervisor - but at this point, you just have to roll your eyes and accept her ignorance.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Donot react right now.but whenever you get a chancd just remind her that Itly was the leading nation not only in the field of science but also in arts and liteature,architecture etc.not long ago and at that time most of the so-called advanced countries of present age were not even known to outside world.

Answer 6

Forget it. While it is politically incorrect to insult other groups of people, the fact remains that in a free society we are free to think good or bad about anyone we want. Hey, that's what you get for thinking you can learn anything worthwhile from a girl.


See my point.

Answer 7

People get offended WAY too easy when it comes to discrimination. Look....there are equal amounts of stupid people in all nationalities. Same goes for smarts.

Answer 8

hi. I think you hould ignore the comment. What she says does not affect what italians are! U should only talk to her if she makes it a pattern to underestimate italians. but one harmless comment wont change anything...right??

Answer 9

Jus fogetaboutit!!! In the words of my grandfather the great ol' Godfather! Okay Tony!..life goes on, its not like ur getting shot at everyday by these crazy mafioso guyz out there, my life is at risk, you hear? represent Italia!

Answer 10

that's worth holding in concepts that as tremendous as Dirac replaced into as a scientist, the element that makes the positron major replaced into that its life replaced into finally proven through try, no longer what ought to have inspired Dirac to conceive of the idea.