It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of the “Rhodes bubble” and isolate yourself only to spending time with friends and studying. I often feel like a failure of a citizen as I definitely don't know enough about what's going on in the world. The numbness this isolation can sometimes bring makes me wish I saw more of the passion from the protest on Campus regularly. From this, I keep wondering if the protesting was not only a reaction to the MTV hype, but also because we have become a restless student body and needed a cause to focus on.
As we said in class, a large part of the protesting was towards the decisions of the Rhodes authorities, so was it necessary to make such a ruckus last night at the show? I truly believe that if any of the protestors had heard what Dan Savage had to say they would have developed much more respect for him and the idea for his show. I came to the Q&A a little weary as well, but I decided beforehand that if it went in a direction I disagreed with then I would simply get up and leave, and I feel this is an attitude anyone in an interview could've carried. Technically they can use your words against you, but they can't force you to say anything.
I am, however, grateful for all of this because I now see how important it is to thoroughly understand a cause before you endorse it. At first I thought I was partially on the protestors side, but I was still very curious to see what Savage had to say. Everyone loved him so much last year, how could it change THAT much for this year? After listening to him, I completely changed my mind. Yes, MTV could spin the footage in any direction, but regardless of that, I heard a great lecture from a well-known speaker.
It's always easy to get caught up in something, and it can be equally as easy to not foresee the consequences. What is most important is to understand what should have been done differently so we can learn from it. It would've been really effective if people would have protested the show before they arrived. We know that MTV is by no means a respectable channel, and nothing different should have been expected from their producers. Ultimately, they're looking for ratings, and they probably don't care how they construe things--it's simply a business. I don't necessarily want Rhodes to be associated with MTV, but that doesn't change how much I enjoyed the show, and I don't believe our school will be permanently scathed either.
There are so many worthy causes out there that deserve our attention and need our help, so let's refocus this energy on something else.
What are some alternatives to opposing MTV we could have pursued?
Jade,
ReplyDeleteTo your question I would say yes, for I think a protest is always the answer. Now before you shake your head, and think "my goodness Nellie, you poor girl with limited sense." allow me some time to explain.
I love kids, why? because from birth to about 7-8 years of age (even higher for some), they are unburdened by the restrictions of society. they tell you exactly how they feel. they are happy, they will let you just how much, they are disappointed, you better find a way to make it up to them! They are upset or disagree about something, then you better believe that they will protest whatever it is to the full length of their abilities. of course them protesting (which is mainly crying haha) doesn't always get them where they want to be, but at least it gets them heard.
I wish the students at Rhodes were a bit more like kids in this respect. We are educated adults seeking further education for the betterment of the self and out communities. Yet we are such a passive group. Or at least have been until just recently. It is time we put that passiveness to the side, and give way to assertiveness. we must stop complaining about things in our dorms, on Facebook, to our parents etc... and begin voicing them at those responsible. we must scream, yell, and have a tantrum, if that's what is necessary to make our voices heard.
Now all that being said, I must add that I am being a bit dramatic here, but that's only to make my point. So I will continue by saying that we must have kids' spirits but we must exert them as adults. Meaning we have to be smart in the way we protest. So if you ask me was protest the answer then my question is clear: yes. But if you ask me was THAT particular protest the most appropriate way to handle things, then again my answer is clear: no.
Something AMAZING happened last week. I feel like our campus finally woke up from a very long nap. we must take advantage of that. no more should we be dissatisfied with something on this campus, in this community in this world, and not make a big deal out of it.
As a new student at Rhodes I often ask myself, “what is there to complain about Rhodes?” It has a beautiful campus, friendly people, tons of things to do, great housing, and by next year we should have some better food! Now, I would hate for the reputation of Rhodes as such a great place to be diminished because of bad publicity. It could happen, Dan Savage could twist words and create a negative image and that in addition to a failure to communicate by the administration about this event is why students are so upset.
ReplyDeleteHowever, do I think that one show will have such a huge impact on Rhodes? No of course not! Rhodes is amazing and anyone who visits can tell. Also so I think that the protest will stop Dan Savage from airing this episode of his show or from his producers twisting words? No I do not think that will change. MTV is a business and right now what’s selling is drama and comedy! However, I do believe that this protest will make sure the administration talks to the students about visits like this in the future. I also believe that if this activism remains in Rhodes that it will remain the amazing place that I believe it to be now!