I’m currently starting my last year of my polisci degree. I’ve been studying cybernetics, systems theory and stuff and there are a few graduate programs in the US that are fairly new. An interesting one I found is hosted at Westpoint. Obviously an institute of oppression, but I can see many practical advantages. I don’t think it’s a good idea but also like… How many people are in that position to take that opportunity? I need confirmation that it’s a good idea to not submit myself to that horror, even if it may be an insanely incredible asset.

  • @CountryBreakfast
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    42 years ago

    Its bad enough dealing with peers and professors at a normal institution. But the military academy? Are your options really that limited? What on earth is there to gain at west point that is unavailable elsewhere besides the craven aspirations of future weapons contractors?

    Also people have this “grandfather” view of the military that somehow the military is a rational, masculine, institution that is as close to being in touch with reality as possible and therefor military academies are these rigid and prestigious institutions that can prepare anyone for anything. This is a myth. It is a scam for valor fabricators to create upward mobility for people with connections to the ruling classes.

    Every university is ultimately guilty and in many ways part of going to school is getting a feel for the corruption, complicity, and cynacism present in these institutions, not to mention all the things you dont talk about in class ect etc. But Idk why you would subject yourself to west point of all places.

    • comrade_madoffOP
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      42 years ago

      Oh no comrade. You misunderstand, I agree with you 100%. I do not want to go, but there is value in it even if you don’t see it. Upon graduating I’d be an officer with special access to opportunities, networks, leadership training, organizational management etc. I don’t want to go, and everyone here including you have reassured my decision to not take it. I’m studying systems theory, options are limitless, it’s a new field of study and almost no one outside of commies and computer scientists have ever worked with these ideas until recently. So all I have is opportunity.

      • @CountryBreakfast
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        32 years ago

        I didn’t realize systems theory was that new although it does seem like a truly ripe field for graduate studies. Maybe i am just ignorant. Im in global studies and im totally jealous.

        • comrade_madoffOP
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          22 years ago

          Ever since I learned about Cybersyn and Cybernetics I’ve been obsessed. Don’t be jealous, it’s interdisciplinary. It is only usually used by engineers until recently because it’s the basis of building a homeostatically sustained system like an engine, or efficient factory line. In the case of political science it’s the study creating smooth functioning autonomous organizations, or patterns of governments to determine choices and find ways to stop them from always somehow choosing the shittest decision because of unforseen consequences or “externalities”.

          Check out this playlist, I would love everyone to be inspired to become cyberneticists through the gift of Socialist Santa: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLODSFS9KTPB6VC2i55oVHOVoxGijF4iw-