If you’re an MSU student, there’s a good chance you’re not reading this or will quit reading after the first sentence.
The overwhelming majority of MSU doesn’t seem to care about anything. This lack of sentiment is especially striking because MSU’s birthday will be celebrated on the Drill Field Tuesday. The university and other organizations have planned for free BBQ sandwiches, ice cream and T-shirts on the birthday, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if only a few appreciate the effort. Of course, nothing can be a surprise if no one ever cares.
The apathy would make sense if MSU lacked events and issues. However, this hasn’t been the case lately. The presidential search involved the IHL Board denying the public the right to know the top candidates, yet students haven’t protested this. There hasn’t been an outcry. The Reflector hasn’t received any angry letters from students. We haven’t even seen a noticeable banner.
Likewise, the no-smoking proposal hasn’t received much attention from students, one of the main groups a smoking ban would affect. The Reflector received one letter from a student about the ban after repeated attempts to inform the student body. A committee was developed to represent all sides concerning the smoking ban, but students haven’t taken the opportunity to make a substantial stand for or against the ban.
Admittedly, we don’t believe everyone starts out apathetic. Many freshmen are generally excited about attending MSU. Events like Dog Daze bring in numerous freshmen. Yet when the younger students observe the uncaring attitudes of older students, the indifference tends to spread.
Although students tend to care more about MSU sports, it’s only when our teams win. MSU basketball in particular has experienced a drought in support.
Most of the time colleges are known for movements and activism. That’s how the snide remarks about “college revolutionaries” originated. MSU has its own special kind of activism: Facebook. Students have utilized Facebook groups to an incredible extent. But physical interactions are on the wayside at MSU.
The administration and campus groups have tried hard to steer this college away from a suitcase university. With limited funds, no less. Many students still don’t participate or think about the effort before them.
Therefore, don’t complain if the events or issues at MSU don’t go the way you have envisioned if you haven’t said anything in the first place. People often ignore important topics of discussion until something bad happens. Then it’s OK to actually stand up and say something.
Ironically, the main person who used the free speech policy on campus was the vocal evangelist, Michael Venyah. Now that he’s gone, we haven’t heard a peep. We encourage you to put aside your indifference and talk about things you care about. That is, if you actually care about anything.
The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Jed Pressgrove, news editor Sara McAdory, assistant news editor Wade Patterson, sports editor Ross Dellenger, entertainment editor Tyler Stewart, managing editor Dustin Barnes and editor in chief Elizabeth Crisp.