Students
Polled on Iraq War: Nay to Political Neutrality
To the Editors:
As a recent grad, I am heartened to read of ongoing
anti-war activism at Oberlin. We are living in dark times, poised
on the brink of what will likely be a catastrophic war in Iraq.
Strong, coherent statements against American beligerance must be
given voice. While actual action to reform society consisting of
individual effort and responsibility is essential, the reality is
that real momentum can be gained by the sort of institutional backing
that a campus-wide referendum against the war could afford. Certainly,
our society faces a number of serious concerns besides the war,
from hunger, to inadequate health-care, to the environment. Our
society even has reasons to be hopeful. Yet few issues currently
seem as pressing as the seeming invisibility of a huge segment of
our world’s society that opposes U.S. militarism.
Thus, it is disconcerting when people such as Chris Holbein try
to dissuade the College from coming out against the war, even when
many of the individuals associated with this institution do oppose
the war. I realize the importance of Chris’ desire for students
to be allowed to explore their own political beliefs and debate
on any issue. However, I don’t believe making such a statement
precludes that possibility. Moreover, I don’t believe that
Oberlin College is or should be a neutral institution without political
ideologies characterizing the institution as a whole.
It isn’t for a number of reasons. First of all, consider the
much-touted tradition of Oberlin’s acceptance of minorities
and women. Had Oberlin maintained a “neutral” role on
race and gender issues, would it have been able to carry the progressive
banner that it so often drapes itself in? Secondly, just in looking
at the curriculum offered at Oberlin, can this be considered a neutral
institution? No, there are particular choices made by each department
and the administration as a whole that shapes the sort of education
offered here. Neutrality is a myth. I attended Oberlin for a reason.
Even if the reality of the experience was not what my expectations
were, my thinking was shaped to some degree in response to what
this institution represents. I presume that is the case for many
Obies.
I have the good fortune to know Chris, and to know that he is a
passionate individual, and a passionate Democrat. I apologize if
this sounds like a personal attack, but I feel it isn’t difficult
to draw connections between the former passion and your neutralizing
rhetoric. It is this mentality of avoiding conflict and striving
for the center ground that has so recently and sadly doomed the
Democratic party.
This is a time when we must take risks, and Oberlin, even as it
faces its own institutional problems has an opportunity to speak
loudly and strongly against the war.
This is not a neutral institution. If it were, why come here? There
is something that makes any institution what it is, whether for
good or bad. Why shouldn’t Oberlin have an opinion, and a
good one?
–Bill Lascher
OC ’02
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