Adaptation vs. Capitulation
We're not nipping problems in the bud, and that extracts a heavy toll
There’s a line in the new season of Reacher where a Russian gangster quotes a proverb — “Give them a fingernail, and they will take your whole arm.” It’s a gruesome version of “give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile,” but the message remains relevant.
If there are threats, nip them in the bud.
Universities are not nipping problems with the current Executive Branch in the bud, instead capitulating while claiming they are “adapting” to the intimidation and extortion tactics of the Trump Administration, much as scholarly publishers “adapted” to the pressures of funders and OA activists 10-20 years ago.
Claiming capitulation is adaptation feels like the classic distinction without a difference.
Here’s where our “adaptations” moved us: