Archive for the ‘do something!’ Category
the first day-become aware-become a cliche.
Today I was appalled during the class I teach of how many students have apathetic attitudes towards the soldiers getting killed in Iraq. In fact they are scared of not having any type of control over the situation and have devloded a “what can I do” mentality. Or “why does it matter if I do anything?” Initially they are a bit convincing, with stories about personal attempts to try being thwarted or not being able to find the right type of honest information in the media. With all of the attention that they pay towards the internet I find it fascinating that they are not resourceful enough to learn about the politics of this society.
This is a symptom. They generartion of students, not much younger than I am, feel that they have no voice. Even as artists, art students there is a general feeling of dismay about being able to speak their minds. Where does this come from? I look at history and it tells us to be skeptical BUT it also tells us there is a place for the voice, for the opinion and ultimatly the chance for idealistic change.
I tell them these things, they are expressing even more apathy. So I hit them where it hurts. Money. In teaching for just a few years I have realised that students are really only concerned with surviving on their own. A contradiction but a concern none the less. I tell them that the way that the U.S. is running things currently with the war in Iraq, the amount of money “we” are borrowing from other countries to keep this war machine well lubricated and the ignoring of it happening right in front of each individuals dinner plate will bankrupt the country in 10 years. What does this mean for you? If you live here you will be in some serious trouble. No jobs, no way to be self sufficient. Your student loans will never go away, they in fact are owned either by the U.S. Government or by a corporation who supports such a government that belives education for the people comes with a VERY high price tag. So I tell them to find a way to be proactive, I tell them they should band together somehow. Read, take advantage of this education they are paying a high price for and use it for what it was meant to be used for. Change this situation. Change society. Add something benefitial to the world thy live in. Develop a consciousness. Become aware even if it means becoming a cliche.
