The Orbis

I want to commend Vanderbilt students on their recent surge in political and social activism in preparation for the upcoming Nov. elections. From the canvassing efforts held by the College Democrats to the voter registration efforts sponsored by organizations such as the Vanderbilt Progressive Student Union and LEAD, Vanderbilt has clearly become more conscious of the world outside the bubble at a intensity I have never seen. Simply look around at the numerous Kerry/Edwards and Bush/Cheney stickers and buttons.

From my freshman to my junior year, it proved rather difficult to find others who would discuss or had a thought in their mind about national, political or religious issues going on in the world. People complained about apathy and meetings were held to debate how it could ever be so rampant on a college campus. In contrast, this year everyone seems to have a clear opinion and will gladly vocalize it.

The question remains, however, can we find a way to grasp and harness the energy on campus and maintain it past Nov. 2?

Some say the change has come as a direct result of the new freshmen class because of their new, global attitude. Therefore, no reason exists to believe that our campus will greatly lessen its current intensity. Other organizations such as LEAD, which focuses on voter registration and education, have crafted strategic plans to ensure that their respective organizations do not become completely irrelevant. With an altered agenda, the club can adapt to the circumstances of the future.

Others have suggested that the world of politics is changing and the period of apathetic citizenry has finally ceased. With the current war in Iraq and future wars in the midst, the election rapidly approaching and concerned citizens already planning for the 2008 election, it is hard to believe people will return to their previous apathetic states.

Vanderbilt students are doing pretty well at educating themselves about the world outside the bubble. However, in the words of John Kerry, “We can do better.”

My vision for Vanderbilt is not “more of the same” but rather an increased level of consciousness. We should be recruiting more senators and congressmen to campus to speak and campaign. We should be partnering more with the Nashville community to ensure that important local reforms receive the attention they deserve. Finally, we should interact more to discuss regional and global issues and propose innovative ways to solve them. In doing so, Vanderbilt will become a more intellectual environment where apathy is only a bad memory.

Article Tools