Spring Break
Column: Guilt-driven sincerity
John Stromski/Columnist
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Opinions
Throughout my years here at Eastern, I have seen more and more people voicing their beliefs, trying to start some form of activism or to change views that the majority of society may share.
I am not trying to bash these forms of protest; indeed, I advocate them and think they can be effective if used correctly, as they have done on numerous occasions far back in the world's history.
However, there are a few issues I have with the type of protests that exist here on campus.
For starters, I'll reference a protest that I have seen several times across campus: the anti-war protest or demonstration, or something along those lines.
I am, by no means, an advocate of the war, but how is waving a sign at me and yelling one-liners as I'm cruising down Lincoln Avenue going to cause some sort of political change?
There is the argument that they are creating awareness. Although I am somewhat politically deaf, I think it is impossible for someone to not be aware of the war.
It has been and is continuously affecting all of us.
I don't need to be reminded of it.
I think instead of doing these protests, it would be much more effective to write some sort of letter, start some form of petition or to attend some sort of governmental meeting.
I'm just throwing ideas out here - none of them may even have the potential for working, but it seems they would be a more worthwhile line of pursuit than telling average citizens they need to end the war.
But what irritates me most is trying to guilt somebody into holding the same beliefs you have.
What I am talking about is the guy who stands outside Mary J. Booth Library and hands out pamphlets to you while telling you, deceivingly politely, to "Help End Violence."
Well, when you say it like that, of course I'd like to help end violence! I don't like violence either. What can I do to help?
And then you open the pamphlet and inside are pictures of animals, which you really could do without seeing.
Under the façade of promoting vegetarianism, the pamphlet is instead trying to shock and guilt you to make you feel like a cruel and violent human being and persuade you to become a vegetarian.
All of the potential merits or benefits of vegetarianism become replaced with the declaration that "You are cruel and evil, so change."
It sounds more like a religious preach than a personal belief.
I feel I have to write a disclaimer. I don't hate vegetarianism. I am not a fan of violence.
I wish this war was finished. However, my point is that there are much more effective ways to bring about these changes.
There are ways which don't insult people or guilt them into believing as you do and ways which don't remind people of their insignificance. There are ways that have more potential.
John Stromski is a junior English major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
I am not trying to bash these forms of protest; indeed, I advocate them and think they can be effective if used correctly, as they have done on numerous occasions far back in the world's history.
However, there are a few issues I have with the type of protests that exist here on campus.
For starters, I'll reference a protest that I have seen several times across campus: the anti-war protest or demonstration, or something along those lines.
I am, by no means, an advocate of the war, but how is waving a sign at me and yelling one-liners as I'm cruising down Lincoln Avenue going to cause some sort of political change?
There is the argument that they are creating awareness. Although I am somewhat politically deaf, I think it is impossible for someone to not be aware of the war.
It has been and is continuously affecting all of us.
I don't need to be reminded of it.
I think instead of doing these protests, it would be much more effective to write some sort of letter, start some form of petition or to attend some sort of governmental meeting.
I'm just throwing ideas out here - none of them may even have the potential for working, but it seems they would be a more worthwhile line of pursuit than telling average citizens they need to end the war.
But what irritates me most is trying to guilt somebody into holding the same beliefs you have.
What I am talking about is the guy who stands outside Mary J. Booth Library and hands out pamphlets to you while telling you, deceivingly politely, to "Help End Violence."
Well, when you say it like that, of course I'd like to help end violence! I don't like violence either. What can I do to help?
And then you open the pamphlet and inside are pictures of animals, which you really could do without seeing.
Under the façade of promoting vegetarianism, the pamphlet is instead trying to shock and guilt you to make you feel like a cruel and violent human being and persuade you to become a vegetarian.
All of the potential merits or benefits of vegetarianism become replaced with the declaration that "You are cruel and evil, so change."
It sounds more like a religious preach than a personal belief.
I feel I have to write a disclaimer. I don't hate vegetarianism. I am not a fan of violence.
I wish this war was finished. However, my point is that there are much more effective ways to bring about these changes.
There are ways which don't insult people or guilt them into believing as you do and ways which don't remind people of their insignificance. There are ways that have more potential.
John Stromski is a junior English major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
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