Students for a Cause

From the 1930s all the way up into present-day, students have been protesting and
speaking for what they believe in. Student activism strikes controversy because there are students
speaking up for themselves and others versus the students disturbing the peace. However
activism is important because it allows for a young pupil to form their own opinion, meet likeminded individuals, let go of their inhibitions, and find their voice. Its beneficial to the person in
a way that they have the opportunity to grow as a person, and if the cause is well placed,
beneficial to the affected community.
Without the modern activism we have today, most people would remain unaware of some
of Americas and the worlds biggest problems. When the activist speaks out it helps other see
the problem and form their own opinion on the matter. While having opinions do tend to cause
conflicts of interest, with the right organization and eloquence, an individual can turn their
thoughts into a movement of many. For instance,the feminist movement has supported activism
through the network of individuals and groups, has fostered learning about tactics, and has
offered an understanding of the problem of patriarchy through women sharing their experience
and through feminist writers presenting ideas that illuminate and inspire their readers.
Movements are constructive because of their inclination to link up like-minded people
towards one cause. It in turn becomes a power house for revolutionary ideas, a change-making
machine. It is fascinating how people can come together over their interest on the same subject
matter. It is especially fascinating when groups such as that can effect so much change.
When the young 1960s, generation came of age, they entered a world where the
slightest hint of nonconformity could bring on taunts of "Commie" and "Red." An outspoken

activist risked being tracked by the FBI. In those days, the editor of the Oakland Tribune
routinely referred to the Berkeley campus as "the little red schoolhouse." It is difficult still to be
a student activist these days because people do not like the disturbance. It is true that protest can
cause a lot of change and inconvenience for outside parties. When Berkeley students protested
for freedom of speech on campus, they were called delinquents and rabble-rousers, seeing as
how they filled the quad as well as campus with scores of people, distracting from the learning
institution. There is still worry that student activists cause to much trouble on campus, leaving
school administration with difficult jurisdictions to make like, A student at SUNY Buffalo
recently got in trouble for a strange and very unexpected campus project. Ashley Powell, an art
graduate student, decided it would be a good idea to open the semester by placing white only
and black only signs around campus, and provide no explanation for these signs.
However, where would those activists be without their cause? An admirable trait of
activists is their courage. In a world where it is easier and widely accepted to keep your opinion
to yourself, these people chose to speak out an issue that negatively affected them and others,
where before nobody could speak up. It takes a lot of growing up and letting go to take a stand.
One has to first let go of their fear, and then present their stance to the world. While it helps the
cause, it also helps towards the betterment of the person.
Student activism is a powerful thing and always has been, from the early unions of the
1940s to the present. They unite young people in a way that just going to class never could. They
provide unique learning experiences to each individual student and teach them about the world
and themselves. If not for the self-growth, the reason to protest would have to be the momentous
change they can effect. College students are the seed of our society and if they already have so
much power, imagine what they all will be able to accomplish for the future.

Yarnall, Louise. "UC Berkeley Activists of '64 Return to Takeover Site : Reunion: Former
Free Speech Movement Members Reunite for a Weekend to Share Memories of the Student
Uprising 30 Years Ago." Los Angeles Times 4 Dec. 1994. Web. 14 Nov. 15.
Martin, Brian. "Activism, Social and Political." Encyclopedia of Activism and Social Justice
(2007): 19-27. Sage. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.
Luzer, Daniel. "Bad Protests, and Bad Art." Washington Monthly 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 18
Nov. 2015.