LZC Aims at Reversing Student Apathy

Dear Editor,

Alyssa Bereznak’s article ‘Student Apathy Wins the Day’ demonstrates precisely the misunderstandings surrounding the Dimensions of Culture debate that stand in the way of positive change.

First of all, in its attempt to criticize the approach of the Lumumba-Zapata Coalition, the article actually proves the LZC’s point. Many D.O.C. students are indeed bored with the coursework. And who can blame them?

A quick flip through the Justice reader shows us that a good 80 percent of the reading selections are Supreme Court decisions that are often written in confusing and obscure legalese. Compare that to a syllabus from the early 1990s, of which about half consists of opinionated and engaging commentary from various scholars, paper prompts that are not afraid to ask students to express opinions about controversial issues, not to mention a documentary here and there to help the learning process along. Sounds like a much more interesting class to me.

Second of all, the article overlooks a major critique of the D.O.C. program: that it lacks any coherent framework. For instance, in D.O.C. 3, we are pushed into writing papers about literature without even the most perfunctory introduction to literary elements such as form, syntax, genre, etc. How can we expect students to stay active in a class in which they have no idea what they are supposed to be learning?

What the LZC advocates is a curriculum that is less passive, less incoherent and less boring. The LZC’s proposed changes would reverse the very same student apathy that Bereznak’s article attacks. Maybe I am guilty of being one of those ‘bright-eyed, I-always-have-an-opinion-individuals’ that Bereznak makes fun of, but I believe that most college students will find value in every step of their education, but only if they are offered the right raw materials to do so.

– Janice Lu

Thurgood Marshall

College freshman

Activism Essential in Global Warming Fight

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the April 7 opinion piece titled ‘Green Plans Lost in Global Warming’s Shadow.’

I would to like to begin by saying, because of the widespread apathy at UCSD, I do not believe that respectful activism about any subject should be greatly criticized.

Before attacking a social action, thorough research should be done. If the writer had simply Googled ‘Step It Up 2007′ he would have found that the small event on April 14 on the Eleanor Roosevelt College quad was part of a national movement that involved over 1,400 events. The goal was not to change Congress’ priorities with one sign held by 50 students, but instead to add a few more voices to a movement. In political activism, every voice counts.

Besides, we did a lot more than write letters.

Perhaps if the writer had bothered to stick around for more than 20 minutes, he would have heard Nigella Hillgarth, a renowned researcher from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, talk about climate change. We didn’t want to make a lot of noise without adequate knowledge, so we planned the event in such a way that we might gain useful understanding of our environment in order to improve our actions.

I agree entirely with the writer in that knowledge and activism alone cannot solve a problem completely. However, raising your voice is an essential part of our duty as American citizens, combined with physical action.

It was implied that instead of recycling, using less fossil fuels and planting trees, we thought it was more useful to wave signs at Congress.

This is not the case.

As part of a so-called democracy, joining a big movement like Step It Up can actually affect our government and legislation. Helping make a statement to Congress combined with taking physical action for the environment every day is, in fact, the best way to address the problem. Our sign quoting the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report was not claiming to be a summary of the situation.

The argument that the environment is politically charged is ridiculous. As the writer himself admits, the report claims a ’90-percent chance that increased atmospheric gases are a man-made problem.’ If we were to all trust the report, it doesn’t matter what Republican representatives choose to believe. This world belongs to everyone; it’s not a partisan issue any longer. Our American lifestyles need to start changing, and fast.

This is not arguable. I think that criticizing students’ attempts to effect change is counteractive to the cause and hurtful to our campus, since we have so much apathy to combat as it is.

At least organizing arguments in a way in which they don’t contradict themselves would be a start. I am saddened that of everything at UCSD, this is what someone would choose to pick apart. Do your research, understand what you are criticizing and realize that believing your voice is useless is the one thing that will ultimately keep change from happening.

– Carol Southworth

Eleanor Roosevelt

College freshman

Balance Responsibility With Fun at Sun God

Dear Editor,

The anticipation is over.

Sun God 2007 has finally arrived! The festival will take place on May 18. The daytime festival will encompass Library Walk, Sun God Lawn and Price Center Plaza, with the nighttime concert occupying RIMAC Field. The event has continued to increase in size, attendance and festivities with more food, games and entertainment than ever before. This is a day to spend with friends as the school year comes to an end. We hope that all of our efforts up to and on the day of Sun God will make everything fun and safe for all of UCSD.

Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the festival, but please keep a few things in mind:

¥ UCSD is encouraged to have a great time, but never at the expense of anyone’s safety.

¥ Any visibly intoxicated person will be denied entrance to the event and may be detained by the police.

¥ A zero-tolerance policy will be in effect and all campus police, RAs, RSOs and resident deans are strictly enforcing all policies and laws.

¥ Your cooperation in following all UCSD policies and remaining in control of your use of alcohol will minimize many potential problems during the event. We want everyone to have fun, but please watch over your friends as well as yourself.

Sun God 2007 is here – have a great time, UCSD!

– Di Lam

A.S. Associate Vice President

of Programming