Author:
I am writing in response to articles written by Elizabeth Cutler (Oxy Needs to Open its Mind Politically, 10/22/08) and Dean DeChiaro (Don’t be Afraid to Talk to Republicans, 10/22/08). Both these articles, while well articulated, failed to understand the point they both desperately attempted to drive home: diversity in thought and ideology. I argue their failure because neither of the two even mentioned any other political parties besides the two that most Americans find their comfort in, which is, quite frankly, narrow-minded.
From my perspective, which most comfortable Americans will probably label as radical, the extensive similarities and miniscule differences between Republican and Democratic platforms in comparison to any other party is enough to force an uneasy laugh out of me when I read about college students who are concerned that one of these two parties does not receive enough representation on Occidental’s campus. Let me help us all out by offering some free-of-charge assistance (this doesn’t happen too often in this capitalistic society, so please take advantage). Look up the political platforms of some different parties. Find out for yourself who and what they represent. They may not all be as radical as you are led to believe, but they can definitely offer more diversity than just democrats and republicans. Some other parties include the Peace and Freedom Party, Socialist Party USA, Communist Party USA, the Green Party, and the Workers World Party. You can easily find their Web sites online.
Lastly, I would like to write directly to the students who are so frightened by the lack of political diversity. Dean, I admit, you bowled yourself a strike in your article by arguing for open, political debate. But in the end, you messed up your game by throwing too many gutter-balls. You continually acknowledged the need for healthy debate and exchange of ideas between only liberals and conservatives. And Elizabeth, I offer the same critique to you. I am certain neither you nor anyone else can “fully understand the issues at hand” if you truly believe the answers exist on any two-sided coin.
I urge students and faculty alike to reach beyond the current pedagogies of this country’s mainstream politics. If we do this we will undoubtedly come closer to true political diversity.
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