Columns/Societies

The Panther Prints _ February 13, 1996

by Faith Hunter

Well, first of all, I apologise for missing the last couple of papers. I have no excuse, except that I was abducted by aliens and was left too traumatized to fulfil my literary duties. I hope you will forgive my negligence and not hold a grudge against me for all eternity (hey, I’d do the same for you) .

Seeing as I did neglect you, though, picking a flippant topic this week might seem disrespectful. So I decided to focus on a serious matter: the future of education.

Last week, along with many other universities and colleges in Canada, UPEI students raised their voices (and their signs) against the apathy of the government regarding healthcare, unemployment, and post- secondary education. Somewhere between 120 and 180 students marched from the Barn to Province House, where heartfelt speeches were delivered and heartfelt emo- tions were shared. Following that, a smaller group of students gave up hot chocolate and the drive back to UPEI to stand up for what they beleived in to trudge up four flights of stairs in the Royal Trust Tower, where a message was left for George Proude.

During the days preceding the protest, I had heard, in casual con- versation, signs of apathy and had witnessed the sad epitome of the ‘*What’s the point?’’ attitude. I know that even after the protest many students still feel this way. I understand the view (and am myself prone to despair now and then), but my general opinion is this -- the primary reason this world seems unchangeable is that nobody cares enough to try and change it.

Improving the world is our biggest challenge. Sure, it has its problems, but the only way to solve those problems is to face them head- on and chase them away. When

confronted with two of our most powerful enemies -- money and government -- it often seems im- possible and unrealistic to expect (or even hope for) any kind of positive change. The ‘‘One person won’t make a difference’’ attitude runs rampant (it’s an epidemic!), but it’s false!

Alexander Graham Bell gave us a mode of communication never before dreamed of, Elvis invented rock n’ roll and Garth Brooks started the waves rolling for ‘‘new’’ coun- try, Martin Luther King gave black people dignity and a self-respecting sense of pride. Yes, they’re famous, but that doesn’t mean they had something that we don’t have. Millions of ordinary people have, by becoming foster parents, by support- ing mission funds, by participating in the annual 30 hour famine, or by simply making donations to UNICEF, provided countless num- bers of impoverished children with water, schooling, medical care and a new lease on life. But it starts with just one person.

In short, use some common sense, folks. ‘‘A journey of a thou- sand miles begins with a single step.’’ It is too bad that some stu- dents, such as those in Ottawa, chose to cloud our message with violence and destruction, but I am very proud of UPEI for venting its anger in a constructive and dignified manner.

It was announced at the end of yesterday’s rally that a letter & postcard campaign will soon be underway to continue our efforts toward a future where education is accessible to all who seek it. This is the next step in our journey to justice. I plan to take it, both hope- ful and faithful that, in time, it WILL make a difference. Won’t you join me?

Take Care & Dream Big

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The Soc/Anth Newsletter

by Michael Drake

Hey folks! I am really sorry that this weeks column is pitifully short, but mid-terms, papers, and my stomach are all growling and begging for attention.

The big news this week is the pub crawl, which takes place this Friday, February 16. Sign up sheets are posted in the lounge, so get teams together of no less than three people and no more than four. At least one team member must be from Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Studies or English. Trivia, booze, and fun are all on the agenda with an attractive list of venues. Get your teams together! More details available by email from sduffy@upei.ca. Also, t- shirt sign ups are also in the lounge. Show your support for the society!

Sorry again for the brief column, and its distinct lack of creative wit and inherit readable charm.

I love you all. You are beautiful, really bee-yooo-tee-fulll.

sto have access to the oe en to all who want to show up

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Temr ity??. ‘Vou make the call

WANT 10 STAND OUT IN THE

For More Information Contact 5602

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