Losing in the Funhouse? Winning in the Playhouse?

Abstract

This article, autoethnography, my story or, preferably, reflective essay, relies on two metaphors. The first focuses on the university as an academic funhouse, a place of dialogue and ideas, espousing freedoms to learn, play, read, research, speak, teach, and even to offend. However, the notion of an academic funhouse in age of managerialism and neoliberalism is now difficult to sustain. The second metaphor is that of a global playhouse where post-academics may continue to pursue old interests and develop new ones. However, as all performers and writers and others contributing to the work and pleasures of the playhouse are fully aware, an end-stage is inevitable.