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Student activism has changed a lot since the 1960s. It has taken on a different form than our parents' generation. Many political issues have turned from local to global. Some don't need immediate intervention, while others have become more crucial for Generation A, when students or the public may not worry about them for another 20 years. There are many factors that affected student activism in the 1960s and 90s, including the political situation in the country and the world, the economic and social status of the students, and media control over information, such as television, radio, and newspapers.
The level of engagement with the world has changed, and students now have more ways to direct their efforts.
Back in 1960s, Vietnam War caused many students to be moved. They protested against violent and pointless war, they united for anti-war demonstrations and rallies; they had a good central idea to fight for. There were small signs of resistance throughout the country, but when the students united, they managed to raise another social issue such as facial inequality on campuses, which turned out to be a reason for student riots and protests.
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African Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans organized into student unions to support the Civil Rights Movement that was in full force in the 1960s and had already won some positions in American society.
Students of the SUS also have some political and social issues to fight for. There is no war in the picture, but affirmative action brought protesting students to the streets as well.
Unfortunately, fewer and fewer students are involved in these demonstrations. Many students continue to join student organizations, but they are mostly just superficially involved. The President of UC Santa Cruz, stated that while there are 50 or so members in each group, only six or eight are actually committed. The rest of the students, while having many idealistic notions and ideas, lack any desire or motivation to stand up for the issues. Frustration with politics, in general, also often leads to cynicism rather than activism.
The priorities of students have changed over the years. Students of the 90s are more concerned with being marketable after college than devoting time to political issues. While answering polling questions, only 23% of students in the 1960s said that their future job is important because it will enable them to earn a good deal of money. In the 1990s, on the same question, 60% answered that money is more important in their future job. This shows that students are less focused on political activities. However, other students feel they may be more effective after college. A 1997 UCLA survey found more students pursuing advanced degrees than ever before. This really reflects the fact that students are concerned about education as a means to an end. They are very results-driven and know they need a college and graduate degree to get a job, as Linda Sax, the director of the survey, stated. In contrast, the majority of students in the 1960s did not work; their tuition was paid in full by their parents. Therefore, they had more time and energy to be politically active and involved with many student organizations.
Another reason for the political apathy of Generation X is the general level of education. There has been more pressure placed on parents by state and federal government to be at work, leaving little time for children to be properly educated. Children are rushed off to school, where they are taught very little except how not to misbehave. They are taught that politicians are liars and cheats and not to be trusted. After school, they are brought home to watch television, leaving them with little energy for family chats, reading, or studying. As a result, they lack a background from which to question political issues.
In contrast, the college education system in the 60s served as a base for facilitation of alternative thinking. Students were attracted to universities by the possibility of being unique and standing out. Even the method of teaching was different, with more creativity allowed and more seminars than lectures. However, the system has changed, with less experimentation and a focus on the right vs. wrong approach rather than allowing students to think for themselves.
Despite the lack of interest in political organizations, there are still local issues that students are more active in. For example, recently students at Stevenson College began an initiative with their college administration against spreading ethnic studies classes throughout different departments at SF State. Additionally, because the economy is improving, students are less concerned with finding jobs after college and are more able to explore activities outside of becoming marketable.
There is more optimism than ever before, and while the problem of student involvement in politics is still a large one, there may be a solution in the form of non-political student organizations and clubs. These groups could bring more attention to political issues and increase political awareness among their members.
The Involvement of Students in Political Activities. (2023, Apr 06). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-involvement-of-students-in-political-activities-essay
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