Listen to this podcast.
Think you can find one Republican at New York University? You may not know any. But attend a College Republicans meeting, and you’ll find that they do, in fact, exist.
Conservatives at NYU are undoubtedly in the political minority, but their smaller number hasn’t stopped them from engaging in a dialogue with the Democrats. With a few primaries remaining and the general presidential election quickly approaching, the College Republicans haven’t lowered their voices.
Hampton Williams, President of the NYU College Republicans, says that he’s never found it difficult to voice his opinions at NYU, and that this year is no different. “Because it is an election year doesn’t mean that my beliefs and views are not challenged on a daily basis. I think I am more outspoken now,” Williams said.
He also stressed the importance of being able to discuss important issues with the Democrats. “I think that that kind of political discourse has been twisted to the point where we don’t even allow the opposition to talk. And that’s one thing that my club and many across the nation are very concerned about – that these political organizations and politically affiliated clubs are not engaging in an academic examination or discussion,” Williams said.
Professor of Sociology at NYU, Ed Lehman, says that dialogue is a “central feature of academic life.” “It’s good to be with people who share the same beliefs and values, but it can’t become so rigid that the dialogue and academic component disappears. This requires a considerable degree of tolerance and understanding,” he said.
Fraser Ridgely Dachille, Webmaster for the NYU College Republicans, says that although he doesn’t find it difficult to be a Republican on campus, he does find it hard at times for his point of view to be understood by others. “Most of the legitimate discussion is open-minded and genuine; however, there have been a few people who have just shut down upon hearing my opinion,” Dachille said.
Professor Lehman said that forming groups, such as the College Republicans and Democrats have done, “creates a common sense of identity and a level of support.” But, as Dachille has seen, this can also lead to isolation, Professor Lehman said. “The danger is that we simply become isolated in our islands…Sometimes we create tribes that see others as heretical and alien,” he said.
Others have found it to be rewarding to engage in friendly discussion on political matters. “A lot of my friends are Democrats. It’s nice to be with people who share such different political beliefs. A façade is down because you’re friends, so you get to really see what their views are,” Sports Coordinator and Intramural Captain of the NYU College Republicans, Rick Halmo, said.
Halmo agreed with Williams, saying that the Democratic dominance at NYU has not stopped the Republicans from sharing their thoughts during this election year. “A lot more people are involved this year. A lot of people feel like they have something to lose now – they’re more vocal, and it’s more interesting,” he said.
The NYU College Republicans seemed to be just as, if not more, vocal last year. They put together a notorious event last spring, titled “Find the Illegal Immigrant,” which was nationally covered by the news and stirred much controversy among students. Though the club hasn’t cowered from voicing their opinions this year, Rick Rossi, Social Chair for the club, said that the events they’ve hosted this year are more toned down.
Halmo explained that although the event last year was viewed by some as negative, it provided the necessary dialogue and debate discussed by Williams and Professor Lehman. “The illegal immigration event contained both civil and non-civil experiences. There was a six-on-one debate – obviously, I was the one…But it was actually fun. We welcomed the challenge…It’s important that we understand the fact that not only should we say what we feel, but we should deliver our message in a way that doesn’t alienate [the Democrats], but engages them in a dialogue that’s fruitful,” Halmo said.
No comments:
Post a Comment