Degradation

I like to write novels that talk about our reality but without making portraits of anyone in particular. I give you an example, one of the issues that I decided to address in the marks of the water, a novel that came to light a few weeks ago, was that of academic degradation: influence peddling, use of institutional resources to benefit some while harming others, lack of protocols to deal with sexual harassment within the academic communities, unfair competition, academic dishonesty (plagiarism, false results reporting). It seemed to me that there would easily be those who would feel alluded to by my characters, they would have the coat. Thus, I gave the fictitious high school director who appears in my book one of my last names: Oliveira, so that when they tell me that I am referring to this or that, I can say: “but he does have my last name.”

They will say, how wise, he talks about academic dishonesty and the minister’s scandal comes to light. But the truth is that it’s the other way around, I chose themes for my novel that are everyday things: last year I learned of several accusations of plagiarism, both at UNAM and at other institutions. I have gone through different academic bodies, where I have seen all kinds of tricks: applicants who lie, academics who inflate their curriculum. I have demanded without being heard by authorities that turn a deaf ear to obvious injustices. And just when I thought I had seen it all, a few days ago I stumbled upon a horrible case of simulation. I consulted a couple of colleagues on how I should proceed and their sage advice was: stay out. It’s not the first time I’ve been given such advice either. And of course, if I count all the times that I have looked the other way and multiply it by all the times that others have done the same, we reach the point where we are, where corruption (that state of degradation of what should be recto) covers everything, like mold that invades bread that has been neglected for a while. Should we stop looking the other way? Sure, but not alone.

Now, not everything is hopeless, you see: UNAM has been required in recent days to immediately condemn the (supposed) plagiarism of the minister. And what the UNAM has done is give it due course: bring together the collegiate bodies and let them deliberate and reach their conclusions. Knowing that they are observed by the entire country, I have no doubt that the resolutions of the technical councils will be exemplary. That does not mean that they will necessarily please the respectable, but that they will adhere to the university rules to the letter. And that is your role. I believe that the best way to avoid simulation, plagiarism, harassment, and the misuse of university resources is to give life, transparency, and decision-making power to collegiate bodies; They are the bodies for debate and consultation of the different university communities. And that has to do with the whole of society, although I can’t develop it here, I’ll leave you a clue: it’s local, silly (as Messi would say).

Twitter: @munozoliveira