Thank you, Amitava. I have long asserted — and perhaps you’ve heard me say it — that we have much to learn from our students if only we make an effort to listen. Sadly, administrators at too many universities cannot bother to listen and live in fear of the tents the students pitch. I’m glad to hear that Vassar is allowing the encampment to stand. For now, at least.
So long as you’re quoting Letter from Birmingham Jail, allow me to add a quote that seems relevant vis-à-vis the way too many schools have responded to the protests.
“In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But is this a logical assertion? Isn't this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery?”
Enjoyed reading your observation of the orderly and peaceful protest. Sadly this has not been the case at other campuses with many 'outside' agitators with their own agenda. Many (including myself) have wondered why we haven't heard of any protests to other horrific events around the world which have affected a much larger segment of civilians.
Sadly war machine has been growing for many years, dear Amitava. I abhor the size and cost of our military but these protests are not making sense in that regard. I think the protesters are not well informed and are reacting in a mob mentality without truly understanding the challenges of this war. I'm speaking as a war veteran but also one who has also protested our government's misguided militarism.
Bravo, Amitava, and thank you for taking your attentive eye and ears, your thoughtful capacity for assessment and your open compassionate heart, to report on the scene. I appreciate the way you practice respect for the students, as you always have and do, and also try to negotiate a position which keeps that respect but does not necessarily agree with every part of they are doing. That holding of both respect and also the space for distinction seems crucial and also is exactly what is being lost in so many responses to what is happening on campus. Good luck with your reading. Wish I could be there.
Thank you, Amitava. I have long asserted — and perhaps you’ve heard me say it — that we have much to learn from our students if only we make an effort to listen. Sadly, administrators at too many universities cannot bother to listen and live in fear of the tents the students pitch. I’m glad to hear that Vassar is allowing the encampment to stand. For now, at least.
So long as you’re quoting Letter from Birmingham Jail, allow me to add a quote that seems relevant vis-à-vis the way too many schools have responded to the protests.
“In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But is this a logical assertion? Isn't this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery?”
Loved the Martin Luther King's qoute. It seems perfect for the current situation. Thanks
Reminds me so much of the early 70's when I was a student at Syracuse.
Enjoyed reading your observation of the orderly and peaceful protest. Sadly this has not been the case at other campuses with many 'outside' agitators with their own agenda. Many (including myself) have wondered why we haven't heard of any protests to other horrific events around the world which have affected a much larger segment of civilians.
I believe that our students feel more complicit here—and therefore the outrage—because of the massive U.S. support of arms and funds for the war machine. That would explain their demand for divestment. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/05/04/us/college-campus-protests/vassar-protesters-remove-their-tents-after-the-college-agreed-to-review-its-investments?smid=url-share
Sadly war machine has been growing for many years, dear Amitava. I abhor the size and cost of our military but these protests are not making sense in that regard. I think the protesters are not well informed and are reacting in a mob mentality without truly understanding the challenges of this war. I'm speaking as a war veteran but also one who has also protested our government's misguided militarism.
Wonderful, Ami!
Bravo, Amitava, and thank you for taking your attentive eye and ears, your thoughtful capacity for assessment and your open compassionate heart, to report on the scene. I appreciate the way you practice respect for the students, as you always have and do, and also try to negotiate a position which keeps that respect but does not necessarily agree with every part of they are doing. That holding of both respect and also the space for distinction seems crucial and also is exactly what is being lost in so many responses to what is happening on campus. Good luck with your reading. Wish I could be there.
Thanks especially, Amitava, for the poem. I agree with the position you gingerly take!
Amazing