The Orbis

To the casual onlooker, it is business as usual at Vanderbilt University--that is to say, a basically racially and socially homogenous student body donning Lacoste knit polos and drinking cheap beer.

Furthermore, the school's infamous conservatism presents itself loud and clear with the many BMWs on Frat Row plastered with George W. paraphernalia.

I ask you, however, to look closer. There is a pleasant but surprising leftish undercurrent throughout campus. For example, at their first meeting, the College Democrats had a huge turnout; in fact, it proved to be their best ever. Other progressive organizations, including this newspaper, have also seen more student interest. The uptick in liberal activism on campus is partially due to the election year and to Vanderbilt's increasing, albeit slowly, diversity. This uptick, however, is in danger of being quenched by student apathy.

As an incoming freshman, I was absolutely astonished by the ubiquitous apathy of Vanderbilt students, regardless of their political inclinations. I agree that college should be partially about having fun and enjoying oneself. On the other hand, there is more to one's university years and to life than just indulgent revelry. Look back to the 1960s and early 1970s, when a picture of collegiate life was far different than that of today. Many of our parents' college years were an appropriate good old time, but, more importantly, they were also years of picketing and protest. Our parents, incredulous of their government and angered by its actions in Vietnam, got off their asses, put the booze down for a few minutes, and fomented change in this country.

It is time for our generation to do the same, particularly on a campus where so many are content with the status quo. Every Vandy student who possesses even a modicum of liberalism, must take his or her political efforts to the hilt. We've got to make a superlative attempt to discuss our issues--the quagmire in Iraq, gay marriage, pollution, etc.--in the interest of riling some feathers on campus and getting things changed.

Fight the apathy present among us! Every night doesn't have to be an out-of-control bacchanalia. Even if getting trashed is a necessity, perhaps put a political spin on it. I don't know--quaffing a few Natty Lights and then going to a John Kerry rally always sounded fun to me.

I leave you with a parting exhortation: go out and do something for the liberal cause! Be active! Shock and awe those Republicans who are too busy partying!

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