The UPEl Sun, Friday, Oct. 7; 1977Z‘Pa9e_h
cun COMMENT
By Robert Godfrey and Alan Smith
We have all heard talk, over the past few years, concerning student apathy, indifference, and/or dis- regard for campus commun- ity affairs. However, I suspect a more worthy top- ic might have received gre- ater appreciation and con- sideration if presented for my fellow students reflec- tion.
Perhaps a concise, yet fervent, exposition regar- ding the increase of con- stipation among the’netive people of Siberia amidst the infamous l922 Siberian Rhubarb shortage might have proved more adequate. l suppose there was always “hope,” though!
At the risk, then, of regurgitating the many rem- arkable versions, we have all encountered, of llWHAT'S WRONG?” allow me to speak out, once again, on the subject of student apathy, in regard to student affairs
Besides, if my views are not to be appreciated here, one could always present them to an equally worthy authority elsewhere; say, The_Gong Show!
However, in whatever man- ner it is stated, there is an obvious “lack” within the student body in regard for student affairs. In fact,
mv own generous service to the cause of indifference might, possibly, be recogn- ized publically, at some later date, if, Dr. Bolger should ever decide to write about this area, within ”U.P.E.l.'s” History!
Yet, one could ask,'is student apathy not the order of the day? The sixties were an age of student organiza- tion, student involvement, student protest, student i- dentity. The seventies gen- erally are lacking the fer- vour and thrust displayed, in these areas, within the “high” sixties. Many might say it is a basis sociol- ogical reaction to this state of affairs, that al- lows such uncommittedness to run rampant in our ls- land University now. I prefer an alternative ex- planation. I would suggest that such a setting will be present to the exact degree
one allows it to be. 0.K., someone will say
(presuming someone still happens to be reading this). But what aid does this an- alysis give US towards remedying the situation?
They could argue that the student body, generally, just doesn't give a damn! In concrete facts, they might add that we have tried our damndest to do something for them, to make things available to them, to make our groups, organizations, meetings,’ etc. open for them to join
and participate in; but theyl
WON'T. They might argue,' further, what the hell good is this analysis as an aid to such a morbid situation?
I will immediately admit that it gives no aid. Yet, it is within this very vact, that my stand is based. v
It is futile for the
'Student Council to promote
any external solutidns to this problem of apathy in
- regard for student affairs.'
It is just as futile for this writer, or any others, to seriouély entertain
such “solutions”.
The only answer, or sol- ution, which will be of any use, must be founded, | ‘ feel, by each of us, sep- arately, as individuals. Each of us, separately, as individual students of UPEI with concerns and drives NEEDING expression and re- gard from our fellow stu- dents.
What, then, are we now talking about? Well, its a dirty word to many of
‘us, chiefly because its
task never ends but goes on and on. We call it re- sponsiblity. It includes responsibility to ourself, responsibility to others, and, in this particular situation, responsibility to our campus. It chal-
.lenges us to meet the
obligations which are best expressive of our character, interests, and concerns while we are stu- dents at UPEI.
Mr. President. I would suggest to you that the o= nus of responsibility, in endeavoring to reduce the level of apathy in student affairs, lies not within the ranks of the Student Council, nor any other group or organization on Campus. it lies rather, with each and every individual member of the student body.
Out of regard for our fellow students and to the university community, in general, we must own up to this challenge. We must take the risk of acting individ- ually and responsibly to- wards each other before We can ever think of working
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together agian, collectively. It is not therefore a ques- tion of what the Student ' Council, or any other organ- ization, can do for us but, rather, what we can do for them.
I hope that many shall‘not
only identify these views with their own personal thought, but shall striVe,‘ with me, to see our obliga- tions in a fuller and more
‘ responsible manner as we each seek; and share, to- gether within UPEI, this year, the future.
Mr. President, i hope you
and your administration will see yOur reSponsibility to the student bedy, in the coming year, as one of guid- ance and leadership - not power and control. fident you shall work with this conviction.
i am con-
And, I await all comments.