It is becoming rather disgraceful to be considered a member of this student body. Do not get me wrong. I love this school and I have met some of the most amazing people in my life here. But there is one underlying bit of discomfort on this campus that is becoming rather unbearable. There is this idea thrown around that everyone is supposed to be able to say what they want, do what they want and support what they want, as long as that person is respectful of others on campus. This freedom of thought and expression is one of the biggest draws of the college experience, no matter in Hanover or New York City. However, there seem to be gradations of rightness and correctness of thought that permeate this campus. There is this idea that certain thoughts and groups are allowed and seen as respectable, while others are seen as racist and arrogant, despite seemingly doing similar acts. Take Monday's immigration rally. There was a huge build up and campus-wide movement to take part in the immigrant rights rally. Poster campaigns, mass Blitz-outs and a great amount of organization went in to this event. I have complete respect for the right of every citizen of this country to peacefully protest and assemble. However, when a plane was seen flying overhead with a banner bearing opposing thoughts, which has now been affiliated in some respect with The Dartmouth Review, one of the College's conservative publications, cries of anger, disbelief and disgust were heard. People were absolutely appalled that a group of people on their own campus could do such a thing.
However, what is different about this form of freedom of speech? Why is this automatically seen as a horrible abuse of money and ideology? As a writer for The Review, friends of mine could not believe that something "so gross" could have been done. But in all truth, what is the difference? Well, the only real difference lies in the choice of means. Pro-illegal immigrant rally-goers chose to use signs, a march and the coming together of a great number of people in a rally, while those who don't necessarily agree with such beliefs used a plane with a banner. Why is such an opposite opinion seen as so horrible? Who said that some forms of protest were right and just, and others racist and inconsiderate?
There is a vibe that I receive, as a person proudly affiliated with The Review on this campus, that makes me feel despised and even subhuman. But what is wrong with my beliefs? What is so wrong with a diversity of thoughts? Where in the U.S. Constitution does it stipulate that some free speech is fair and well-founded, while other showings are bigoted and ignorant. I disagree with automatically giving illegal immigrants citizenship in this country. Others agree wholeheartedly with this notion. There is no rightness here! No room for judgment! They are both equally and, with no mis-balance, opinions.
Until this campus can learn to appreciate the diversity of opinions, and stop seeing anyone who doesn't agree with the majority as despicable plagues, this hallowed idea of free discourse is in jeopardy. Until students, faculty and community members can latch on to the real possibilities of effective debate and discussion, that are available with seemingly antithetical opinions present on campus, we are all missing out. Stop judging. A plane, a march. No matter. Free speech is what makes this country such an unbelievable place to live. No speech is wrong. The problems occur when someone tries to say that something should not be said. That is when we should be appalled and disgusted.
