The other day in my literary analysis class a student asked a pointed question about the use of apostrophe pertaining to figurative language. My professor answered the student's question by defining the literary term as well as providing examples. She explained an apostrophe is when the speaker addresses an inadiment object or noun that will and does not have the capability to respond (such as when a speaker of a poem says "Oh, beautiful sky" the sky is not capable of responding to the speaker). The professor went on to offer several more examples of this use of figurative language as cited in the readings as well as through out everyday conversation. She proceeded to ask the class if everyone understood the definition of the word and how it pertained to the unit, and everyone either responded with a yes or a nod of the head. Yet, the professor proceeded with one more example. She then proceeded with another unnecessary example "It is like when you pray to God. You don't get a response. Well, no one sane would receive a response, so I would hope no one in this class would receive a response from her." ...And the entire class laughed, giggled, and commented on how clever our professor is.
Yet, I sat in my seat feeling dumbfounded and as though a line had been crossed. 
I should explain that I am a Pentecostal Christian, and I have been raised in a Christian home. Now this statement is often stigmatized with stereotypes of the Planned Parenthood protester and Fox News loving extremist, so please allow me to explain I do not judge anyone for his/her beliefs nor do I believe freedom of speech should be eradicated to allow Christians to feel more comfortable in a secular setting. The Pentecostal branch of Christianity stresses a personal relationship with God. I pray several times a day. I pray conversationally with God, because God is my savior and friend. This means I have a deeply personal relationship with God, and I receive responses from him through prayer. I was severely offended by my professor's statement, and I felt extremely isolated as I heard the entire class giggle at the core foundation of my faith.
I spent the entire remainder of the class in an awkward isolated position in my chair. I tried to block the statement from my mind and concentrate on the academic discussion that was now taking place. This was difficult as I found myself analysing the statement and the mocking tone in which it was made. I do not mind that she referred to God as a her, but it was the tone in which she implied this. I was most offended that she had inadvertently called me, my family, and the followers of my ENTIRE faith insane. Yet, I was saddened that she did not feel remorse for this statement, and no one else in the class appeared to pause and think the statement was inappropriate in an academic setting.
As soon as class was over I called my best friend from back home (South Carolina), and I explained to her the statement, my feelings, and why I was so disappointed in the professor's lack of distinction between free speech and academic responsibility. I suppose I just wanted the professor to realize that she had made an incredibly offensive statement, but my best friend explain that not everyone understand the freedoms we have been granted is also gifted with a responsibility. I had reached my car as my friend had told me this, and I began to cry. I have never cried over a bigoted statement before, but this statement was painful and left me feeling vulnerable and scared to express myself as a Christian openly.
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