Escaping the Ivory Tower

“Don’t talk about it. Be about it.” While this statement potentially marginalizes the power of discourse, I appreciate its call to action. Sometimes, researchers and academicians get caught into the vicious mentality of “publish or perish.” The sheer quantity of published journal articles and books takes precedence over equally important factors like quality service and teaching.

Intercultural and interracial communication fascinates me. I’ve opened the door to my personal and cultural identity, and there’s no turning back. Next week, I plan to attend the annual convention of the Central States Communication Association in Indianapolis. Three of my research papers comment on Japanese American identity, civil rights, and/or intercultural communication. Although I hope my work is shared among other Communication scholars (or nerds like me), I hope that my ideas and writing will ultimately escape the Ivory Tower. Talking about important issues like civil rights, race, cultural identity, and power is absolutely necessary in today’s fragmented and shifting society. However, we must remember to convert our ideas and conversations into deeper meaning and ACTION that transcends academic communities… Please wish me luck! :)