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Each and every day, another student here at our fine institution proves to me that college is no longer reserved only for the intelligent. Ignorance, stupidity and apathy run rampant amongst our so-called educated peers, and this scares me, especially in the face of an election that will surely determine the future of our nation.
These are bold statements; yet, I am fully prepared to back them up. However, that is not the point I am trying to make here.
This week, I found myself pleasantly surprised and relieved to see a group of students finally step up and do something with their brains. They stopped complaining, like so many students do, and actually fought back and made an impact. They pushed aside the apathy, laziness and ignorance so often associated with our age group. That group is the Student Women’s Association. In my eyes at least, they deserve special commendation for not merely complaining but actually making an effort to have their voices heard.
Since first coming to the University of Maine three years ago, I have heard at least one complaint a month about Terry Hughes, the professor who protests against abortion every Monday. This man has every right to be there, yet people still complain about his “distasteful” display of aborted fetuses where anyone can see them. As most people who know me are aware, I am by no means pro-choice. But, that does not mean that I support Hughes’ use of gross-out effect to make his point. However, I am a huge supporter of the First Amendment and whenever I see Hughes with his sign, I smile, knowing that he is the finest example of the First Amendment on this campus.
Yet others do not feel the same way. Others complain that his images are disgusting and some go as far as to say he has no right to protest – see the March 22, 2004 Maine Campus Soap Box page .
Obviously, most of these people are pro-choice, and one of the driving forces behind their complaining is the fact that they do not agree with Hughes’ opinion. But never have I seen any of them do anything about it. People are too lazy to get off their couches and actually make an impact. This lack of effort and desire to actually be heard only strengthens Hughes’ cause and in essence, let’s him win and be heard.
This week, however, SWA stepped up and made an impact. Roughly 10 members of the organization stood beside Hughes on Monday holding a variety of signs that sent the message that they were pro-choice and proud of it. It took four years, but finally someone is standing up to Hughes face to face, rather than in closed circles of friends or behind the shield of the student forum.
I encourage everyone who has a problem with Hughes to join SWA as they continue to protest for choice each Monday. At the same time, I encourage all who are pro-life to stand up and be heard as well. Even if you do not agree with Hughes’ use of images, stand out there with homemade signs, and support your cause. There is never any need to be scared of voicing an opinion on any issue and, if done peacably and proudly, it can only lead to good things. This university is a marketplace for ideas, so I encourage all to jump in and be heard. If you at any time have complained about Hughes’ protesting, pro-life or pro-choice, take this Monday afternoon, and be heard. But I warn you, do not be ignorant. Listen, smile and say, “Yes, I am pro-First Amendment and damn proud of it.”
Kyle Webster is a senior journalism major.
