Opinion > August 23, 2007

By Rachel Kowal | Staff columnist

While people born between 1984-1994 have been tagged by some as “Generation Y,” not all the labels applied to the college and high-school age populations are quite as benign. Other classifications include the more negative and truthful tags – “The Internet Generation,” “The New Silent Generation” and “The Apathetic Generation.” Considering that more people than ever are choosing to pursue a higher education today than ever before, these stigmas are pathetic and embarrassing.

Even the seemingly active role university students assumed last spring to put a stop to the introduction of a Starbucks on campus seemed to be more about keeping the “tradition” of Shorty’s in existence (when in reality it is a far cry from being the popular hang-out place it was for past generations of university students and is now often completely abandoned) or keeping the student-run Campus Grounds around while there are bigger issues at hand. While some may argue that our time and effort should be invested in more pressing issues like Darfur, the War on Terror or the upcoming elections, even fighting the presence of Starbucks can be a noble cause when the issue of fair trade coffee is considered. While Campus Grounds supplies 100 percent fair trade certified coffee that ensures that coffee farmers get a fair price for their product, only 3.7 percent of all Starbucks sales involve fair trade certified coffee.

While I personally cannot brag about a long history of political and social activism and may be called a hypocrite by some, my failure to act only validates the argument that we are an apathetic and ignorant generation. I believe my particular position gives me important insights to our generation that Generation X may not fully comprehend.

I, like many other people in my generation, have used ignorance as an excuse for my inactivity, but if “ignorance” is by definition a state of lacking knowledge, can we still use it to excuse our lack of action when we consciously choose to turn the radio dial or flip the channel at the mention of any political, environmental and religious issues whether they be domestic or international?

Of course, this new form of self-imposed ignorance may more accurately be apathy in disguise, or a simple lack of interest in current events and political affairs, in which case the future of our nation becomes still bleaker. So what then is the solution to all this numb indifference? For starters, it is important to get plugged into clubs and activities that interest you. While this may not directly combat the genocides in Darfur or the excessive carbon dioxide emissions in America (unless you join Amnesty International or SEAC), it will help to abate that apathy, which is an important step.

Secondly, do yourself a favor and become familiar with your course bulletin booklet. It is easy to first get hooked up on the required divisionals and later the classes in your chosen major, but explore your options and step out of your comfort zone.

Did you know there’s a communication class on sitcoms or an environmental studies class or a class in the women’s and gender studies department on gender, power and violence?

Despite common opinion, the best classes here are not the “easy A” divisionals; they are the academically challenging and rigorous upper level classes.

Look for seminar style classes that will draw out opinions, insights and convictions you didn’t know you had. Look into applying for open curriculum, one of the best kept secrets of this university that allows you to take upper level classes that cater to your specific interest in the place of general divisional classes.

Finally, while it is easy to live within the cozy bubble of indifference that tends to blanket college campuses due to the sudden immersion in a world catered specifically to the 18-22 demographic, it is important to venture outside of the campus and to actively consider the accepted norms, values and traditions expected not only of the university but also of our generation at large.

Breaking through the university bubble and becoming more active in the wider community is a key step in reclaiming the voice of our generation and erasing the current depressing labels.

Rachel Kowal is a senior English major from Moncks Corner, S.C.