A professor from the University of South Carolina has stirred some controversy this week after criticizing the results of the recent presidential election. Sueanna Smith believes that the supporters of president-elect Donald Trump are not well-informed and are, in her words, holding the nation “hostage.”
On social media platform X, Smith remarked, “There is a reason why educated people vote blue. What we’re seeing is the uneducated population of America holding the rest of the country hostage.” Her comments have gained attention, leading to discussions about how academics view those who disagree with them.
In a follow-up post, she clarified her stance, saying that having a college degree does not necessarily mean someone is educated. “We all know how easy it is to buy a degree these days. Just ask the graduates of Trump University,” she added.
Smith has previously pointed out that Hillary Clinton was right in her famous description of Trump supporters as a “basket of deplorables.” She noted, “I’ve found a common trait among many who voted for Donald Trump: poor literacy skills,” suggesting that some degree-holders still struggle to understand the difference between being educated and just holding a diploma.
Holding a PhD in English obtained in 2021, Smith has also expressed frustrations about her dating life as an educated woman. She mentioned that it often feels like men aim to prove their intelligence over her, making her feel sidelined in conversations about her field, which she has dedicated her career to mastering.
Interestingly, while Smith critiques the education levels of Trump supporters, she also revealed that her own daughter, who previously identified with more liberal views, voted for Trump in this election. “My daughter was stationed in Texas for a year…I voted blue today, happily cancelling out her MAGA vote,” she remarked.
As a professor teaching subjects related to social justice and popular culture, Smith receives considerable funding from taxpayers, with state records showing that $56,281 of her salary is subsidized by public funds.
Many people have mixed feelings about her public comments and the broader implications of academia’s role in political debates. Some feel that educators like Smith should reserve their opinions for private settings, while others argue that free speech is vital, regardless of the setting.
In light of ongoing discussions about the influence of higher education on political views, it raises questions about the potential disconnect between academia and the general public.
