*Having come under attack at NYU last week, I'm sharing my response,*
*as I think doing so will help me to protect myself. *
*On Friday, June 12, I received an email from an administrator here,
telling*
*me that s/he had just been sent four complaints about my MA course on *
*propaganda, which I taught last fall. Each of those bad reviews, all of*
*them anonymous, were just one sentence:*
*"He spent our classes trying to convince us that 5G would eliminate the *
*human race and that the moon landing was fake."*
*"We did not learn anything constructive or useful
about political communication *
*or propaganda."*
*"The entire course is based on Mark Miller's biases and the conspiracy
theories *
*he believes in.”*
*"The course made me uncomfortable at times as Miller refuses to hear
opinions *
*that oppose his own."*
*The person who sent me those complaints urged me to revisit my course *
*descriptions, and revise them, presumably so that they would forewarn *
*potential students that I'm a crank who **tolerates no disagreement. *
*S/he told me not to ask who wrote those complaints (a question that I
wouldn't*
*ask in any case). In any case, all four of them are false in every detail.*
*Here is my reply:*
>
>
> *Why now? Those four students all emailed you, after all this time? *
>>
>> *Or was it a colleague? (If so, you needn't name that person.)*
>>
>> *Whoever sent it clearly cherry-picked some negative responses—*
>> *all of which are wholly false. I'm tempted to rebut them point by*
>> *point, but it would only sound defensive; so I am sending you*
>> *some of the very positive responses I've received from students*
>> *in my courses over this past year or so, including that MA course*
>> *last semester.*
>>
>> *This attack on me is not the first. I don't know **if you're aware of
>> this, *
>> *because I didn't think to bother you about it, **but some colleague
>> sent *
>> *_______________ a number of my online **posts about transgender *
>> *ideology, which _______ then sent the OEO, **with a complaint that I'm *
>> *"transphobic." I was then summoned to **that office, to be questioned *
>> *by two OEO lawyers—who, luckily, were rational, and very quickly **saw *
>> *that there was nothing to that charge; and so they quickly dropped *
>> *the matter.*
>>
>> *That Kafka-esque ordeal was not only stressful, but cost me almost*
>> *$6,000, as I had to hire a lawyer for some guidance. That's money*
>> *I can ill afford, what with my medical expenses. *
>>
>> *That financial injury, my **inquisition by the OEO, and now this
>> blatant *
>> *and **malicious effort to malign me as a teacher make quite clear that
>> I'm*
>> *not wanted here—despite my excellence as a teacher, as evidenced by*
>> *the effusive thanks below. *
>>
>> *I'll let my course descriptions stand.*
>>
>> *MCM *
>>
>>
*[As I've redacted all the students' names below, let me note that
they're*
*extraordinary diverse, racially, gender-wise, economically and
geographically, *
* with many **from China as well as Korea and Japan, the Middle East
and South*
* America, and from all over the US.]*
>
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *Thank you so much for a wonderful semester! Your class is invaluable
>> and has already dramatically affected the way I receive information. I'm
>> very grateful it exists. *
>>
>> *Best,*
>> *______________ [who took the propaganda course in question]*
>>
>> *Hello Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *Thank you for an eye-opening few months! Have a great break.*
>>
>> *Kind regards,*
>> *____________ [who took the propaganda course in question]*
>>
>> *Professor Miller!*
>> *Thanks so much for such a thoughtful class and a transformative *
>> *semester. Enjoy your break!*
>>
>> *All the best,*
>>
>>
>> *_____________ [who took the propaganda course in question]*
>> *Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in your class. I look forward to
>> learning more from you in the future. *
>>
>> *Thank you for the semester and happy holidays,*
>> *_______________ [who took the propaganda course in question]*
>>
>> *Dear Prof. Mark Crispin Miller,*
>>
>> *Could you please add me into your newsletter recipient list? Really
>> looking forward to knowing about*
>>
> *your insights on news. Thank you!*
>>
>> *Let me know if you have any questions.*
>>
>> *Happy holidays!*
>>
>>
>>
>> *_____________ [who took the propaganda course in question]Dear Professor
>> Miller: Greetings. Thank you for your work last semester. Personally, I am
>> truly grateful for your teaching and have fully reflected my appreciation
>> to you in faculty evaluation earlier in December. I have gained a lot from
>> your class and learned how to rethink our surroundings from the perspective
>> of propaganda analysis.Best, _____________ [who took the propaganda course
>> in question]*
>>
>> *Mark,*
>>
>> *It has been such a privilege being your student these past two years.
>> You've changed the way I think about thinking. You've taught me how to
>> appreciate films--a skill that has brought insurmountable joie-de-vivre to
>> my existence since the film class I took with you many semesters ago. Your
>> classes also provided the environment for Gigi and I to find and build a
>> very fulfilling friendship with each other. I cherish all of this greatly!*
>>
>> *My school days have come to a close--for now. I am positive I will head
>> back to higher-ed soon, and I owe that to professors like you who remind me
>> daily of the sheer joy of learning. Thank you for your guidance, and for
>> being the highlight of my NYU educational experience. This school doesn't
>> deserve you, but its students need you!*
>>
>> *Best,*
>> *_____________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda and film courses]*
>>
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *I am writing to you because my thesis proposal on __________________ was
>> just approved, and I wanted to make sure that you're able to be my advisor.
>> I'll attach a copy of my proposal in case you need it. I think your
>> guidance will be super valuable, and I'm excited to work with you again!*
>> *Thanks,______________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda course]*
>>
>> *I wanted to ask a couple things. First, may I be added to your listserv?
>> I also showed my mom your site, and she would love to be added as well if
>> possible.*
>>
> *I would like a daily digest and she wants to get everything - she really
>> likes your writing and all your curated sources.*
>>
>> *Lastly, I was wondering if we are going to do a coronavirus class this
>> week. I know this is late notice to request that, but I would really enjoy
>> hearing your thoughts…maybe you could make it optional and shorter for
>> those who are interested? Either way, I wanted to thank you for creating
>> such an engaging and informative class. I learned so much about film,
>> politics and life itself - so thank you. I hope we can stay in touch and
>> that I can possibly take your Senior Seminar next year.*
>> *_____________ [who took my undergraduate film course, and told me she
>> intends to take my propaganda course]*
>>
>> *Hi Mark,*
>>
>> *Needless to say, I've loved every class of yours I've taken over the
>> years, you being the professor I've seen the most during my undergrad
>> career and easily among those I'll miss the most.*
>>
>> *Thank you for everything and hopefully we can meet again in the future.*
>> *____________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda and film courses]*
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *Thanks for a great year! I really enjoyed both of your classes, and I
>> have really learnt so much in both. Attached is my final paper. I hope you
>> are staying well through these tough times.All the
>> best,_______________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda and film
>> courses]*
>>
>>
>> *Thanks again for an incredible semester! I have enjoyed your
>> [propaganda] class more than any I have taken at NYU before. It has really
>> opened my eyes to the influence of popular media in America and has made me
>> see everything in a different light now. For that, I thank you. *
>>
>> *Hope you have a lovely rest of your summer!*
>>
>> *Warmly,*
>> *_________ [who's writing here about my undergraduate propaganda course,
>> then took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller, *
>>
>> *Here's my final paper. Thanks again for a great semester. I really
>> enjoyed this [propaganda] class very much and recognize its strong impact
>> in the way I think about not only media but everything that's presented to
>> me on a daily basis. It truly enlightened and sharpen my perspective. I
>> will miss it and the great discussions our class had! If you need any help
>> with your future classes, or personal projects that you are working on,
>> please let me know. I would be happy to help in any way I can. *
>>
>>
>> *Have a great summer! *
>>
>> *Sincerely, *
>> *_____________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda course]*
>>
>> *Dear Prof. Miller,*
>> *Please see my final paper assignment in attachment. Thank you for what
>> you've done in class - I've enjoyed this semester and learnt a lot.*
>>
>> *____________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda and film courses]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *I've attached my final paper to this email.*
>>
>> *Thank you for such an interesting and eye-opening class. It was a great
>> semester!*
>>
>> *Best,*
>> *______________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda course]*
>>
>> *Dear Professor Miller, *
>>
>> *I have attached my final essay to this email. *
>> *I really enjoyed writing this essay and attending your classes. *
>>
>> *I would love to get updates from you. Could you be able to add me to
>> your mailing list?*
>>
>> *Thank you so much. Have a great holiday.*
>>
>> *Sincerely,*
>> *_____________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda course]*
>>
>>
>> *Dear Prof. Miller,*
>>
>> *I apologize for turning in [this paper] a day late, and I hope you still
>> consider it for full credit. I enjoyed delving into this essay, and this
>> will definitely contribute to my colloquium in some ways. *
>>
>> *I also very much enjoyed this class - I learned quite a bit, and you've
>> given me a toolbox with which I will evaluate every form of media that
>> crosses my path. Now I can't watch a single piece of, well, anything
>> without trying to rip it apart piece by piece to see who is influencing
>> what and why. I enjoyed this class and the connections I made through it.*
>>
>> *I wish you all the best in your career and future classes! Happy
>> Holidays to you and yours.*
>>
>> *Best,*
>> *________________ [who took my undergraduate propaganda course] *
>>
>> *I want to thank you for an amazing class. Probably the best film
>> criticism class I've taken, so Tisch can take it's big head somewhere else.
>> Thank you also for letting me take the course. I know the virus made it
>> impossible for us to fulfill the full potential of the analysis of the
>> films, but I think we stil got a lot done, especially considering the
>> circumstances. *
>>
>> *Enjoy your Summer and keep staying safe,*
>> *_________________ [who took my undergraduate film course]*
>>
>>
>>
>> *Thank you for a great semester! The close viewing we worked on in this
>> class has been invaluable to me as a a casual viewer, an actor, and a
>> writer. I will carry these skills with me and develop them as I
>> go._________________ [who took my undergraduate film course]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor,*
>>
>> *Here is my final paper! I really enjoyed discussing my two favorite
>> films from the class, The Killing and Eyes Wide Shut, and I hope you enjoy
>> reading about how they are connected.*
>>
>> *This class was one of my favorites in all my four years at NYU and it is
>> largely due to the academic spirit and knowledge you brought to the table!
>> Thank you so much for making my final semester so meaningful in spite of
>> the circumstances.*
>>
>> *I hope we continue to keep in touch and that you make an appearance for
>> our director's movie club!*
>>
>> *Sincerely,*
>> *_________________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *It has been a pleasure attending your class this semester. Your class
>> was my only class that didn't falter because of quarantine. If anything, I
>> think it was strangely more thought-provoking. *
>>
>> *Here is my final essay. I hope you enjoy. And I hope that we will all
>> stay connected with the film club.*
>>
>> *All My Best,*
>> *_________________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *I hope you're doing well. First off, thank you for a very educational
>> and engaging semester. I will truly cherish the things I learned in your
>> class, not just about film, but critical thinking and the appreciation of
>> art in general. I can't think of a much better way to have spent my last
>> semester at NYU.*
>>
>> *Please find attached my final essay on Eyes Wide Shut. Thanks in advance
>> for reading, and I hope you have a pleasant summer, whatever form it may
>> take.*
>>
>> *Best,*
>> *___________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller, this is ____________, and here is my final paper.
>> Thank you so much for the wonderful semester! In the fall, I will be
>> attending USC for film productions and your class has been so helpful for
>> me to learn more about the American Cinema. Please take care of yourself in
>> this pandemic. And I truly hope you have a wonderful summer (which will
>> only get better)! :D*
>>
>> *Sincerely,*
>> *_______________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller, *
>>
>> *Attached is my final paper for the Kubrick Senior Seminar. *
>>
>> *I also just wanted to thank you for hosting a wonderful class. It really
>> opened my eyes and gave me a stronger appreciation for Stanley Kubrick's
>> films. All in all, I really enjoyed everything and hope to stay in contact
>> about some of your other research. *
>>
>> *Wishing you all the best, *
>> *_________________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Good evening Mark, I hope this email finds you well and healthy. I have
>> attached my final paper as a Word Document. *
>>
>> *Thank you for a great semester despite the many hiccups both in the
>> classroom and online. I wish we could have finished in-person, but we all
>> did the best that we could and I think the discussions we had were still
>> great. *
>>
>> *I am looking forward to our meeting tomorrow and thank you for taking
>> the time to teach us some facts that we are not seeing or hearing. *
>>
>> *Wish you well, ___________________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor,*
>>
>> *Attached is my final paper.*
>>
>> *Thanks so much for this semester! It was a crazy one, but I'm glad that
>> I had the opportunity to take a class with you. *
>>
>> *Thanks again and looking forward to continuing discussions with the rest
>> of class through our film club,*
>> *___________________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Dear Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *I hope this email finds you well. *
>> *Please find my final paper attached to this email. Thank you so much for
>> an incredible class, and a great last semester. I feel like I learned a lot
>> from this course outside of Kubrick-related content as well- I was also
>> wondering if you could put me on your listserv for your newsletter. *
>> *Thanks again, and have a great summer!*
>>
>> *Sincerely,*
>> *__________________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>> *Hi Professor Miller,*
>> *Attached is my final paper. Thank you for a great semester, even though
>> it was a weird one, I really enjoyed our classes!*
>> *Best,*
>> *___________________ [who took my Kubrick course]*
>>
>>
>> *Dear Professor Miller,*
>>
>> *I've attached my final essay onto this email. Thank you so much for a
>> wonderful semester–this class has truly been a highlight of my week, every
>> week, and I've gained so much knowledge about and insight into films I know
>> I will take with me when watching movies from now on! Thank you again, and
>> happy holidays!*
>>
>> *Best,*
>> *__________________ [who took two of my undergraduate film courses]*
>>
>>
>> *Thanks and thank you so much for a wonderful semester -- I feel like I
>> learned a lot!*
>> *__________________ [who took my undergraduate film course]*
>>
>>
>> *Hi Mark,*
>>
>> *Attached is my submission for the Kubrick course's final assignment. It
>> was really a joy to be a part of both your film courses for this semester.
>> I truly feel as if I have become a far more critical and informed viewer of
>> film and I took immense pleasure in expanding my horizons with the
>> filmography of Stanley Kubrick. *
>>
>> *As I graduate I intend to begin work in the film industry myself once
>> the world returns to normal and although I do not know yet where this path
>> may take me, I hope that maybe one day I will be able to have a role in the
>> creation of a work as a rich as many of the films I watched in these two
>> courses. Thank you for making my final semester an intellectually
>> challenging and rewarding experience. *
>>
>> *All the best,*
>> *__________________ [who took both my film courses last semester]*
>>
>> *Attached below is my essay on the film Parasite. It has been a pleasure
>> being in your class and I look forward to crossing paths in the future.
>> Take care and have an enjoyable summer!*
>>
>> *Best wishes, ____________ [who took my film course]*
>>
>>
>> *Dear Professor Miller, *
>>
>> *How are you? This is my final paper. Thanks so much for
>> this great semester! *
>>
>> *Best, *
>> *_______________ [who took my film course]*
>>
>>
>> *Hi Professor!*
>> *Attached is my final paper on _________________. Thank you so much for
>> a great semester. Your class was the perfect way to end my college career
>> as a drama student. *
>>
>> *I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy during this nuts time! *
>>
>> *Thank you.*
>> *Sincerely,*
>> *__________________ [who took my film course]*
>>
>>
>> *Hi Mark,*
>> *I am attaching my final paper to this email. Thank you for this class. I
>> felt like I learned so much not only about films and their history, but
>> about my own deeper enjoyment of film as an art form. I used to hate
>> rewatching movies and now I feel like I need to rewatch every one I enjoy.
>> I hope you have a great summer! *
>>
>> *___________________ [who took my undergraduate film course]*
>>
>
*I'm pleased to say that all these very positive reviews decided the
administrator to drop*
*the subject, although s/he wouldn't tell me who had sent him/her those
anonymous*
*complaints, or how they'd been discovered, but told me (a) that those four
complaints*
*were not taken from any of the regular student evaluations, and (b) that
the person who *
*had **sent them to him/her is not a department colleague.*
*So how had they been discovered (or concocted), and who sent them? I wish
I knew,*
*but surely won't be told.*
*MCM*
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