in the group "Young Conservatives of Texas" at Texas A&M (the school from which I obtained my own degree) hosted an "Anti-Obama Carnival" on a University Plaza. See the video below, and this link to some photos.
At least one of my friends/colleagues have commented that they are embarrassed to be an Aggie, but this strikes a different chord in me. I'm not embarrassed, I am, quite frankly, terrified. The YCT is a university level group of students who profess conservativism as a common orientation, and as an advocate for diversity and informative education on a spectrum of political beliefs, I take no issue with their right to peacefully assemble and promote their values. However, the concerns brought up in the video are compelling and thought-provoking points: the YCT's claim to the right to free speech and assembly is a right I strongly endorse; the point of the disparity between Obama's portrait and his policies as being egged is more than somewhat perturbing; and mostly--it was the defensiveness with which some students ("liberal" or "conservative", "republican" or "democrat" notwithstanding) reacted that speaks most clearly about the manner in which YCT was attempting to demonstrate its stance.
The anger and violence of the whole situation, and especially, its masquerading as a "carnival" is deeply chilling. Obama's head on a stick? (historical flashbacks to decapitated heads on spikes, anyone?) The act of throwing objects at someone's portrait? How far off is this from burning effigies? I understand and am well aware that violence is often a part of political demonstration; however I do not believe that it is ever necessary (cf Ghandi, Martin Luther King, blah blah blah). But I am not surprised at all at students' (even "conservative" students') reactions to the violence in Rudder plaza. And the most disturbing aspect? The "carnival" part of it. That it should not be a demonstration in which students are stolidly "standing up" for what they believe in (although in my very personal opinion, economic policies are a far cry from civil rights), but that it should be cast as a festival of merry-making, its flippancy and disrespect emphasized in the guise of pastimes, fun, a lark, is portentously alarming.
Caution, students; caution, Americans; caution, humans: what, exactly, is the intended message, and what, exactly is the message being received? In an effort to promote social responsibility, I strongly encourage mindfulness in the expression of opinions, values and beliefs. Sure, I have the right to say whatever I want, and almost however I want to say it. But I must remember, I also have the responsibility as a human(ist) to do my best to ensure that I am not marginalizing others by my expression.
Please be careful and safe this Halloween, and please consider others.
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