Originally Posted by
oladub
Actually, he had developed mathematical formulas to project where ghettos were going to expand. Yes, He was very political. His theoretical geography book was printed in Sweden because he said US publishers wouldn't publish his works. He defined himself as the world's leading theoretical geographer. He didn't give less than a grade of "C" to any male student subject to the draft even if guys never attended class. He said "Ds" stood for Death and he wanted no part of that. I remember a picture of him in the Detroit News on a bullhorn speaking his anti-war message to hardhats working on a new WSU building. His office walls were decorated with crayon drawings by his kids. One was a stick man sort of figure of "Dad" with the word "hero". Prof. Bunge said he lived for his kids. I was GREATLY honored when once I was walking alone with him along Warren Ave. and he mentored me to major in geography.
Professor Bunge was hired by the U of M after being fired by Wayne State. His vocal anti-Vietnam war stance had become an issue getting funding from Lansing for WSU. A couple of years ago, I did an internet search for Professor Bunge. He, unfortunately, has passed away.
Prof. Bunge was observant. He mentioned in class one day, in passing, that while on a trip to Germany that he had noticed a lot of guys in a bus leaning forward sitting with elbows by knees. He noticed because he had been criticized as a child for doing the same. He was wondering out loud if a lot of subtle behavior mannerisms we have aren't picked up from the people around us while we are small children. He didn't draw any conclusion except that is probably how hw picked up that quirk. Scientists notice things.
Thank you detroitnerd for posting this. I was sitting in a McDonald's in Madison to get internet reception when I read the name "Bill Bunge". I yelped loud enough that my wife was startled. I remain a devoted student of my favorite professor. Syria isn't so much different than Vietnam.