Reflecting on College Protests in California: A Critique of Ineffective Activism and Higher Education
Recently, significant protests have erupted across several universities in California, including UC Berkeley. These demonstrations have raised a variety of questions, with the primary focus often being on the high cost of college, a legitimate issue worth addressing. However, the reasons for these protests go beyond financial burdens and often centre around political stances, such as the funding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some activists demand an end to funding for the war, many protesters are requesting universities to divest from companies that do business with Israel. This approach could potentially shut down these institutions, offering an extreme and perhaps counterproductive solution.
Understanding the Motivations Behind College Protests
The answer to why there are such protests at Berkeley and other California universities is actually quite simple: an excess of free time among students and a lack of constructive and useful activities to fill that time. It is concerning to observe that many students believe they are "helping their causes" through demonstrations, despite these actions contributing little beyond fostering a negative public perception of higher education.
While these students may think they are making a difference, their actions often reflect a lack of genuine understanding of the issues they are protesting about. Instead of being educated, responsible, and productive citizens, they are turned into activists, participating in what can only be described as "performative outrage." Their fervour and lack of substantial contribution suggest that participating has become a trophy in itself, a reward for engagement regardless of the practicality and usefulness of their actions.
A culture of self-importance and a flood of participation trophies have contributed to the creation of this generation of students, who feel the need to continuously seek validation and recognition. This mindset is fundamentally flawed and indicates a significant erosion of the value of higher education, leading to concerns about the role of universities in producing knowledgeable and reasoning individuals.
Implications and Future Outlook
The future of higher education may be called into question as a result of these protests. There is a stark possibility that this crop of protesting students will serve as a tipping point in highlighting the severe decline in the quality and relevance of higher education. The urgent need to re-evaluate and potentially defund universities and colleges that primarily produce activists rather than well-rounded and capable students becomes apparent.
Furthermore, the outrageous tuition costs typically associated with higher education have placed a heavy financial burden on students, their families, and taxpayers. These protests might result in a noticeable drop in college admissions as more individuals become aware of the diminishing value for their investment. Consequently, the negative publicity surrounding these protests and the associated financial strain might be the first positive impact of these otherwise ineffective demonstrations.
In conclusion, while there are valid issues to protest, the current methods employed often fall short of meaningful change and contribute to a negative perception of higher education. It is crucial for universities and their students to reflect on more constructive and effective ways to address the challenges of higher education, rather than exploiting it for personal validation.