The scariest thing on campus

I’ve been scared to walk around campus lately – and not just because the Bloomington slasher’s still on the loose. In fact, there’s something far more frightening roaming the sidewalks of this great campus, something deranged and single-minded that terrorizes students who want nothing more than a peaceful stroll to their next class: political activists.

Swarms of zealous college students have descended upon this University, each differing in political ideologies but all aflame with the life-or-death passion that characterizes a youthful party volunteer. With clipboards in hand and lapel pins aplenty, they’ve proclaimed their positions, registered students to vote and labored to persuade them to support their particular agenda.

Rallying around a singular cause, the goals of the Party become supreme, sacred even. In this environment, partisan loyalties are magnified and fed, and tension between those of differing viewpoints inevitably follows.

Now I must be clear. I love good, vigorous political debate. In fact, the exchange of ideas is essential and necessary – the key word of that sentence being “exchange,” which implies a give and take, a willingness to both convince and concede. But all too often, discussions become rants, and common ground is not reached because it isn’t even sought.

The debate becomes bitter because each side holds the underlying assumption that their candidate, and only their candidate, can correct all that’s wrong in our nation. They look to their contender with hope and expectation. Victory becomes their sole purpose for existence. Schedules are cleared. Bags are packed. And friends and family are left behind as the games begin.

And yes, who’s elected really does matter, but let’s put it in perspective: Politics is not the savior. The government is not my family. It cannot meet all our needs, especially those inherent human ones for belonging and fulfillment. Understand, it’s the best we have for deciding national policy and direction, but there are so many other things, more beautiful things, to give your life to – things of substance and worth that will last in this world and the next. 

And so I’m troubled when I see promising students my own age clinging so passionately to political ideology and, in the process, alienating other promising students their own age – individuals they should be learning from, not attempting to “school.”

An active participation in politics is vital, but a healthy detachment is also necessary. When one becomes defined by partisan beliefs, when one becomes infuriated at the sight of an opposition candidate, when one sees himself as a liberal or a conservative or anything but a person who doesn’t have it all figured out, we all lose. We lose the humanity and acceptance that politics tries to provide. We lose the right to be unsure.

At this age, or any age, it’s quite arrogant to claim all the answers. For the next few months, let’s resist the temptation to allow well-intentioned passion to turn to self-assured obstinacy. Because the scariest thing on a college campus is a 20-year-old student who thinks they have it all figured out.