Welcome to the Ivory Tower of Babel: Confessions of a Conservative College Professor

by Mike S. Adams

Looks at campus culture from a conservative point of view, discussing feminism, gay rights, and racism.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

250 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Regular Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Dr. Adam's book "Feminists Say the Darndest Things" last year, I decided to give his earlier, and even more unusually titled book, Welcome to the Ivory Tower of Babel, a try. As my rating indicates, this book turned out to be a mixed bag for me.

On one hand, it provided a valuable and informative view of just how wacky and hostile our colleges have become. And I'm not just talking about only the students either. The entire academia and administration have completely gone wild. And more importantly, just how bizarre they have become over what they have labeled "diversity," and at the same time, how militant they are over completely excluding those who dare to disagree and oppose their often unlawful and unconstitutional actions.

On the other hand, it included a lot of what I had already read in Dr. Adam's second book, only in a much briefer format. I also noted that a number of reviewers had derided Dr. Adams for his poor writing skills. I usually don't take comments like these seriously. But in this case, I have to agree. Between Dr. Adams, the editor and publisher, this book won't get a gold star today for composition and spelling.

I still enjoy Dr. Adam's choice of how he presents this serious topic. Humor does go a long way in both defusing a hostile environment and, at the same time, disarming your opponent. I think Dr. Adams does this very effectively. Also, his ability to build and present logical arguments make this book a tactical model for those whose participation in "authentic" diversity is being marginalized; such as Christians, nonminorities, straight men, and every conservative and independent on the planet. What is most appalling is these pseudo-diversityniks do this at taxpayer expense, with the school's enthusiastic approval, and while arbitrarily dispensing away with these group's constitutionally protected right to object.

This book is grouped into three parts:

Part One: Letters From A Disillusioned Professor.
Part Two: An "Out of the Closet" Conservative Speaks Out.
Part Three: Intellectual Terrorism in the Wake of 9/11.

I enjoyed a number of the letters and commentaries in Sections One and Two. But in Section Three, Adam's chronicling of a former student's attempt to silence this outspoken conservative professor over something he said in his Criminal Justice class shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks is clearly my favorite. I won't go into anymore details here, so you will just have to read the book for yourself. Feel free to pick up the book at your local library or invest in a copy through Amazon.com (No advertisement intended). Despite the grammatical failings of this book, it is still a very worthwhile read.

I applaud Dr. Adam's efforts to stand firm in the crucible of such hateful intolerance in our academic arena. Amazingly, the word "equality" takes on a whole new meaning once you walk on one of our college campuses today. Tolerance is now the privilege of and at the whim of only select people-groups. And unfortunately, these are the same ones who tend to express the most intolerance. Why? Because, according to these progressive elitists, they have earned that privilege through years of what they call "white male oppression." That's the nonsense blubbering crybabies are made of. And it's simply the most hypocritical and shameful kind of behavior. They may grow older, but they absolutely refuse to grow up!

[Chip Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks you Dr. Adams for shining some light on what is essentially a liberal takeover of higher education. While most of the stories in this book stem from relatively few encounters with extreme left-wing nut cases, the core idea behind the book is important and unavoidably true.

As a graduate student at the University of Florida (which is not really known as an ultra liberal institution) I have had much first hand experience with the hypocritical left. From gay pride week to virulent anti-Bush propaganda in the classroom, I have seen it all. The worst part about it is that it actually ends up having some effect on most students. If it wasn't for strong grounding in my beliefs, talk radio and internet blogs, I'd probably be out on University Ave right now protesting the war! Seriously, when EVERY SINGLE PROFESSOR (many of whom you respect) in your department routinely attacks Bush's policies and character, it is easy to see how many students beliefs are influenced. That is especially true when most students get their news from the liberal student newspaper, the liberal Gainesville Sun, liberal television news channels, or the Daily Show.

Honest to God, I think it is a marvelous idea that Dr. Adams has about instituting an affirmative action policy on highering of professors based on political views. If an institution's goal is more diversity, why is it that the University system has got one of the lowest levels when it come to DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT??

[Hugh Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are our college campuses in America the sites of robust study in the search for knowledge? Or are they too often sites of indoctrination in the teachings of political liberalism? Mike Adams is a conservative college professor at UNC Wilmington, who began his career as an atheist and a Democrat. After he changed his political affiliation and obtained tenure, he became more outspoken in his pro-life views and opposition to feminism. This book is a dossier on UNCW, scathing in the evidence that it presents. At multiple points, the faculty members engage in suppression of conservative opinions, including threatening Christian organizations with expulsion from campus unless they allow non-Christians to be officers. In most cases, the faculty members relent under pressure and admit that conservatives have Constitutional rights as well. Without fail, no matter the evidence, the administrators deny that any faculty members have committed even the slightest mischief. Do they allow free speech on campus? If you do nothing in class but recite liberal talking points, you have free speech. Importantly, Adams does not overreach in his charges of bias and intimidation. He only charges the UNCW system with acts that he can absolutely document. This book is a wake-up call for any non-liberal thinking of entering academia.

[Atchisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Adams is, by far, the best critic of current higher education practices with regard to speech codes, intimidation, and indoctrination. His no-holds-barred style combined with his self-admitted atheistic, liberal background givens him unique footing to vanguard the conservative battle on his home campus in North Carolina. Fabulous book. Fabulous author. ALWAYS a great read.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better reads out of the 'teacher prep' kick I was on at the time - I had a devil of a time getting a copy. The chain stores were selling it at vastly inflated textbook prices for some reason. Worth a read.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Chance's recommendation, Mandy and I read this during our days in college. Solidified my distaste for rampant liberalism on college campuses.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious. The fems are frothing at the mouth while this prof keeps an enviable calm.