David Graeber, associate professor of Anthropology at Yale University, met with Associate Professor of Sociology Jonathan Cutler last Tuesday evening to engage in an open dialogue about anarchy and youth activism. Student turnout was high at the event, where both professors expressed their opinions on the role of anarchy and youth activism on campus and in today’s world.
Graeber, author of “Fragments of an Anarchist Anthropology” and “Towards an Anthropological Theory of Value: The Falso Coin of Our Own Dreams,” began the forum with a general discussion of youth activism and its presence in the United States. He said that although youth activism is alive and well, it simply is not given the attention that it was in the 1960s. Despite this lack of media attention, however, Graeber suggested that important change is still afoot and should not be overlooked.
“We are in a unique moment historically,” Graeber said.
Graeber noted that, as general opposition to the war in Iraq has increased, so has activist action in the United States. He cited the rise in local community activism and the growth of already established organizations such as Industrial Workers of the World and Students for a Democratic Society, as just a few signs of positive change happening on the activist front.
“There is an outpouring of new groups,” Graeber said. “The future holds a huge question mark for us.”
Cutler followed up Graeber’s remarks by commenting more specifically on the University and what he perceives as a disturbing lack of activism on campus. He stated that, while he observed protests from students immediately after Sept. 11, 2001, he has seen activism decrease drastically in the past few years, particularly since 2003. He criticized this lack of involvement, citing examples such as chalking in which students have not rebelled as he hoped they would.
At the end of the dialogue, the forum was opened up for questions. Students brought up a wide range of topics, from the connection between anarchy and race to how Graeber and Cutler view the prison-industrial complex.
Several students responded to Cutler’s remarks about the University and spoke out in defense of its lack of activism. One student said that recent incidents, like the hate crimes in Clark, as taking away from the time and energy that he would typically put towards activism. Another cited University administrators as being a force in diminishing activism, stating that the current administration is unsupportive of many forms of rebellion and protest.
Overall, reactions to the dialogue appeared mixed.
“The discussion was enlightening and provocative but at times overshadowed by competitiveness between the speakers and a somewhat pretentious tone to the talk,” said Leslie Chapman ’09.
Others, however, found the discussion to be very informative and thought provoking.
“Activism is an incredibly important topic that should not be overlooked,” said Emily Avener ’09. “Cutler’s views on the lack of activism on campus serve as an important reminder that students need to remain informed and active members of this community.”
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