by Emily Long
I’ve had several conversations with people this semester about what I’ve been writing about with this column and my political views. This has been a great way to learn more about others and make new connections.
For the previous issue of The 1851 Chronicle, myself, along with two other members of the staff, investigated the political divide on campus. We found the lack of balanced conversation is seen on both sides of the aisle. I can confidently say that I believe Lasell has woken up to the fact that a political divide exists on campus and is something that needs to be addressed.
This being my last word on this issue for the semester, here are my final guidelines to make our campus political climate more inclusive:
First, we need to realize that differences do not equal bad. You might not agree with someone’s political stances, but that doesn’t make them a bad person. Next, stop bashing other people’s views, even if you don’t know the entire story about why they think that way. Finally, realize that politics doesn’t have to absorb your whole life. There is a time and place to park your partisanship at the door.
I think in order to have more political inclusivity on Lasell’s campus, it needs to come from all levels. Conservative speakers, as well as Liberal speakers, must come to campus in the same numbers that liberal speakers do. Classrooms must encourage healthy political debate that values the input of both opinions. Debate moderators must remain neutral during debate to hear the best thoughts from participants.
As for me, I’d like to continue spreading the message of conservatism. I’m not really sure what this will be yet, but I do believe there is still a lot more to be said about being a conservative on a college campus. Every day instances happen that cause me to step back and think about our political climate that we have here on campus.
We’ve recognized the division exists, but we can’t stop there. It’s up to students with different viewpoints to stick their necks out and speak up for what they believe in. Liberal conversations will remain liberal if no one objects to what is being said. It might be hard to speak up at first. However, if you do it in a way that is respectful and grounded in facts, you can’t go wrong. Now, obviously, it is up to others to choose the matter in which they respond. This can be upsetting at times, but that’s not your problem.
It can be hard, but I promise you it’s worth it when you get to learn about another viewpoint or they are educated about yours. If we all thought the same thing, conversing with one another will get pretty boring.
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