Occupy occupies campus discourse

The Occupy Wall Street protests have spread to Baltimore. On Tuesday, hundreds of Baltimoreans gathered on the corner of Pratt and Light Streets in protest of corporate misbehavior and control of the political agenda. There were many Hopkins students among the protesters. Regardless of one's political views, the involvement of students in a political protest is to be commended. The protesters realized that their express political views were not being articulated, and they took action.

These protesters did not wait for the media, politicians, or the public to create a movement. The media is controlled by the very corporate interests the protesters are challenging. Politics is dysfunctional.

And the public is infatuated with faux news and scandal. The Occupy Baltimore protesters might have unreasonable demands. They may lack a clear vision and their ideology may be flawed. However, they do stand up for their rights. They protest what they perceive to be injustice and have sought to mobilize people through action. By taking part in the protest, Hopkins students are engaging in one of the most important political functions in American society – peaceable protest.

University students are the cornerstone of progressive movements. In Libya, Tunisia and Egypt students led the charge and brought revolutionary change to their countries. A well educated youth can become well organized and active, so it should be no surprise that student-led protests bring about greater societal involvement in protests. As a prestigious university, many citizens of Baltimore look to Hopkins community members for support. Students are in a unique position to raise awareness of major issues on campus and facilitate discussion of social issues in an academic setting. It is thus reassuring that Occupy Baltimore protests have featured Hopkins students. Since the protests are still in their infancy, students have the ability to shape the issues that the Occupy movement addresses.

There are undoubtedly students and faculty who are opposed to what the Occupy protesters stand for. Though such a view is perfectly justifiable, it is irresponsible for people to passively dismiss a movement without taking the time to learn the key issues the movement is advocating. The protests are an excellent opportunity for students to learn more from the actual grassroots leaders. Additionally, people who are opposed to the protests can engage in on campus debates and discussions with actual student members of the protests. Perhaps the most beneficial part about any protest is counter-protest. Students can actually protest opposite the Occupy Baltimore movement. If they do, then the quality of the dialogue will become richer.

Democratic governance demands the expansion of political dialogue. Too often, people allow politicians and the media to frame these discussions. Protesters defy these institutional restrictions on dialogue. They engage people directly and visibly. The Hopkins community's involvement in the protests, regardless of political affiliation and level of activity, thus moves the dialogue from institutions to the people. This alone makes the protests worthwhile.