Among the repetitive demands made by students at different universities is that for "safe spaces" where birds of a like feather can flock together with no troublesome encounters with people who might see the world differently and have opinions that differ from theirs'. Holy cow! No, I get the idea that some people may have harder rows to hoe than others; but if higher education is supposed to prepare you for life, then it ought to include exposure to same!
I must admit that I attended M.T.S.U., hardly a hotbed of campus controversy even though it was near a large metro area (Nashville) and largely Tennessean in origins. But, still, there were fresh ideas and I was the better for it. Same with at UM.
Strangely enough, I found my own safe space in the Bitterroots of Montana later on, and was loath to move to the Seattle area. Didn't like contending with traffic, but could deal with the local sttitude.
Darn it all! Do these safe spaces also have security blankies? And is 1950-style in loco parentis still in effect?
People should go to college to learn, not hibernate.
Thank you, Ms Heidi!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear from a strongly spirited young woman.
While people should have a safe place to live (part of the whole life, liberty and pursuit of happiness) we need to find that place within a our society. Sometimes, we need to make it where ever we can find it...the Bitterroots of Montana or riding a motorcycle on a country highway.
My safe space is my basement. Well, except for the radon.
ReplyDeleteSafe spaces on a college campus remind me of a flimsy shack some 10 yr. old boys made with "No gurls allowed." Did the just want a safe space or just exclude some?
ReplyDeleteThe whole idea just seems to involve avoiding challenges.
ReplyDelete