At the university of Joensuu we are lucky to have people from different continents taking part in the academic life. One of them (Fadi Kabatilo) is vocal, and through his column, “Another View”, we were able to know more about him, his culture, and his beliefs. Unfortunately, he has written his seventh and last column this month at the student union magazine.
His columns were an interesting topic for discussion at coffee breaks. It was also keeping a debate within the newspaper itself, letters to the editor were frequently addressed to him. It is clear that having people voice their opinions must be good for any kind of institution, and it raises a healthy debate on multiculturalism.
For better or worse, his last column was compendium of what has made him “great”. Self-consciousness, cheap shots, unproved claims, out of context citations, and a fatal sense of coherence. How can this mix not raise criticism from university students!!