“Many creative writers keep journals; the sociologist’s need for systematic reflection demands it.” -C. Wright Mills

Well, I wasn’t going to blog this ugly event (to which JS brought my attention), but seeing as the NYPost has picked it up in addition to the NYTimes and as it’s on the front page of reddit.com, I guess I can mention it briefly. I consider Mac, the professor in the dispute, to be something between an acquaintance and a friend (Is there a work for this?). He is certainly filled with passion and particularly so when it comes to race. So, regrettable as it is, it doesn’t surprise me that something like this could happen after some drinks. It was a messed up thing to do, but I know Mac to be genuinely well meaning and committed to integrating politics into daily life as a scholar-activist.