Rarely do we take a step back and try to observe the bigger picture. So many things have happened over the past two months that it’s difficult to know where to start.
After the eruption of activism that shook campus just before break, many students left for home fired up, cynical or confused about what—if anything—we could change in our community. Nine days later we were stunned and saddened by the world’s worst natural disaster in recent history, reminded of the fact that no matter how many problems we may create for ourselves, Mother Nature can always top us. Headlines of Iraq and the Presidential inauguration confronted us with the cold reality that all those problems that existed before—the quagmire of Iraq, the country’s seeming divide in ideals, and yes, even our struggle at Wesleyan to coexist in an open, tolerant, inquisitive community—still exist.
The sensational reactions that inspired so many students to get involved in campus speak-outs, give money to tsunami relief efforts, or march in Washington the day of the inauguration, is inspiring. It highlights the importance of causes that might otherwise seem futile, such as giving money to be swallowed up by a huge relief effort or making your voice heard despite the immense security blocking people from getting close to the inauguration.
But as the momentum of sensation wanes, the necessity for entrenched work remains. Changes won’t necessarily be glamorous. Much of the success of counter-movements lies in the grunt work. Protesting with a fist in the air is only effective if the necessary efforts follow. And these efforts – like attending faculty venues organized to absorb student response or contacting the right administrative personnel – are often not public, but important nonetheless. Demonstrating an outpour of volunteerism or charity can only go so far if the necessary work to extend planning and organization does not ensue.
The forum in December that drew hundreds of attendees and captivated the attention of campus also attracted substantial coverage from local media news on WTNH channel 8 and NBC 30. Under intense pressure from the student body, and fortunate that winter break dispersed student momentum, President Bennet compiled a comprehensive response in his general email to the University community. Now that the snowball of activism has come to such grand proportions and caught the eye of so many people, it’s time for work from the inside to keep that snowball moving.
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