Since their creation, college campuses have served as hotbeds of political activism and liberal ideas. It is clear that students are willing to organize, and sometimes radicalize, in order to make change. Even isolated campuses like Ohio University sometimes can show their teeth when the need (or whim) arises. Enter Students for a Democratic Society, or SDS.
Today's version of the group has existed since 2006 and is only loosely connected to a now-disbanded group of the same name that was formed in the 1960s. It is widely known as a radically liberal organization that tries to initiate grassroots change by staging protests and other political demonstrations. The current organization has been active at OU for some time, organizing several protests and movements in its stint as an unofficial student organization (the group has chosen to remain unregistered with the university). As a student and a liberal Democrat, I can appreciate the passion and drive present within SDS. As a critically thinking citizen, I find their methods and attitudes questionable.
The OU chapter of SDS first came to my attention recently when I stumbled across one of its fliers. The graphic showed the masked anarchist/ terrorist-
followed by a meeting time and location. While the flier was simple, the inclusion of the aforementioned character in it seems to suggest a seditious attitude that I feel compromises the group's integrity as a legitimate political force. It is good to see political passion in students, but it is unfortunate that this passion turns into what is little more than an appeal to students' rebellious sides. Characters like V stay in the realm of fantasy for a reason. Their methods are rash, dangerous and destructive. I know the group does not promote violent rebellion, but this is the message it is sending to students.
The organization prides itself on functioning outside the established order while simultaneously seeking to subvert that order. Its goal is fundamental political change, but I am confused as to how its members plan to do this when they have little voice and no visible leaders (they claim to be non-hierarchical). Protests are impressive displays of solidarity, but how can they be taken seriously when they lack organization and leadership? This is not an attack on the mind-set or politics of these students. I am simply making the observation that true change has seldom come from outside the system. Most real, lasting changes in this country have occured as a result of driven politicians working from within the system to change it. I respect the members, but I feel their actions are more indicative of a group of malcontented students, rather than the activists they strive to be. I can appreciate the feelings of impatience that drive some students to radicalize, but that does not mean that revolution (whether political or ideological) is the solution. There is no shame in using the system to achieve one's goals.
The aims of the OU chapter, such as equality and economic fairness, are admirable goals. However, I feel that SDS is an example of politically minded students resorting too quickly to a system of beliefs that asks them to recreate, instead of re-imagine, the current political landscape. Passion in politics is rare, but political responsibility is even rarer. Many student-activists claim a revolution is in order, but revolution for its own sake is not the answer. I am not saying that the causes taken up by students are lost, nor am I suggesting that political overhauls are never necessary. I am saying that radicalism should be an approach of last resort; one that is taken on with a full understanding of the reasons behind and goals of one's movement.
If I am being unfair, then I invite the members of this organization to prove me wrong. I challenge them to use their passion in better ways. I invite them to direct their efforts more effectively and constructively. Students like those I have mentioned, whether they are liberal or conservative, have a desire to get involved, to make a difference. I know that they can do better. I hope that they will. - 17
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Erich Hiner
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