The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

Graphic courtesy of Liv Ream; movie flyer from IMDB
In defense of Skinamarink
By Liv Ream, Arts and Entertainment Editor • October 1, 2023
Alternative Spring Break 2023 volunteers in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Natalie Mowad.
Applications open for Akron’s 2024 Alternative Spring Break
By Taylor Lorence, Correspondent • October 1, 2023
The Northern Cheyenne tribe and community walking the ancient Portage Path from Portage Path CLC to the John Brown Home during a previous years First Peoples Day event. Photo courtesy of Portage Path Collaborative.
UA Holds events in celebration of North American First People’s Day   
By Shananne Lewis, Online Editor • September 28, 2023
White swan on water during daytime photo - Free Uk Image on Unsplash
The Swan's Rapture: a poem
By Emily Price, editor in chief • September 27, 2023
Desperately Seeking an Amazon Fighter, sculpture by Kimberly Chapman
"Easy Prey" art exhibit on display at Myers School of Art
By Taylor Lorence, Reporter, Secretary • September 21, 2023
“On the left, there’s me at work! I received the New Student Orientation “Gold Standard” award alongside 
and at the same time as my friend Gillian.”
Courtesy of Connor VanMaele
Fall 2023 Print Edition: Going the Distance
By Connor VanMaele, Correspondent • September 19, 2023
L to R: Steve Horner, Heather Barhorst, Haley Kuczynski, Shawna Blankenship, Brynley Harris, Jessie Redwine at the Pop-Up Pantry. Image Courtesy of ZipAssist.
ZipAssist Holds Community Resource Fair Tuesday, September 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the SU 2nd Floor
By Shananne Lewis, Correspondent • September 18, 2023
Film critic Liv Ream and friend pose for photo (Image via Liv Ream)
My Barbie experience
By Liv Ream, Film Critic • September 17, 2023

Our View: Student Activism?

Last week’s dedication to Alcohol Awareness, as well as a day of wearing purple in honor of recent suicides as a result of homophobic abuse, raises the question of why students aren’t as involved in social and political activism as they have been in the past.

Political activism used to be a huge contributing factor to the development of the youth of America. College students were known for staging protests, questioning authority and taking action to make change.

For example, the anti-war movement of the 60’s in response to American involvement in Vietnam was a prominent issue confronted largely by the youth of our country. Students became a powerful and combative force as university campuses brought on a national debate over the war. They staged protests, rallies and sit-ins to raise awareness and draw attention, and their tactics were successful. As the movement’s ideals spread beyond college campuses, doubts about the war also began to appear within the administration itself. Students were heavily involved in politics and responded to decisions the government made.

Many students are totally oblivious to the social and political goings-on of America. A large percentage of students don’t vote, and don’t care. What is this growing infection of our youth? Why are so many students neutral on significant issues affecting our entire country? Why is there so much social and political ignorance within the walls of college lecture halls across the country?

Snookie from Jersey Shore is why. The I like turtles kid on Youtube is why. Ke$ha, Hot Tub Time Machine, the newest I-Phone, The North Face, Facebook-official relationships and Abercrombie & Fitch are the reasons why today’s students turn a deaf ear to pressing political issues and movements. Pop culture is the culprit of ignorance.

Being a well-informed, politically active citizen does not hinder the ability to do keg-stands and catch up on your favorite TV show. After all, the students of the 60’s were the proprietors of herbal recreation, yet they still managed to fight for their rights and the rights of their country. Will you fight for yours?

All it takes to understand current affairs is to be current. Take a few minutes away from pop-culture to watch the news, or read a newspaper. Define the things that are important to you and question why these issues aren’t being raised in the public eye the way they used to be. Question authority, step away from your tangible surroundings and understand that our generation can create change, and one day, we will be the ones on which our nation depends.

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