Illustration by Corey Bright
Aaron Stuber – Opinions Columnist
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Growing up in the Deep South with left-leaning parents, I learned from a young age to keep my mouth shut about “my” political views when I was in middle and high school. I say “my” because as children, we do not really have an understanding of the world around us, so our “views” are simply an imprint of what our parents leave on us, and it is important to note the views bestowed upon us end up shaping our understanding and view of the world.
However, I consider myself lucky because my parents did not necessarily enforce a viewpoint on me (I am still not sure who my parents voted for in Bush vs. Gore). I was free to formulate my own opinion as they both talked about the strengths and weaknesses of all candidates.
With the first presidential debate behind us, I have heard relatively little chatter amongst my fellow classmates, and at this point I am not sure if I should be terrified or disappointed. There is no one, on either side of the aisle, who can deny the fact that the upcoming presidential election is the most divisive of our time. It is for this fact there should be chatter amongst the masses as to who is going to be our next president. With what looks to be the next person who will have great power in shaping the U.S., it is worrisome that no one is discussing politics.
I mean, the next U.S. President will more than likely fill the vacant Supreme Court chair. There is no doubt that I, as a left-winged individual, feel at home surrounded by this progressive, forward-thinking campus, but recently this attribute of UAB has made me curious about the effect a homogenous political atmosphere has on a person. It is for this reason why even though the UAB community is left-leaning, we let everyone’s voice be heard, even those holding opposing views.
Even if you are bogged down by exams, applications for professional and graduate school, or looking for a job, do not remain complacent in the election. Do not fall into the illusion of what the candidates do during election season, but look at their track record, look at who they have championed for and most of all, create healthy debate. If my world history class this semester has taught me anything, it is that discord is the key to progressing society, and nothing can be revolutionized if people don’t think outside of their comfort zone (see: Galileo Affair). It is paramount that we as a campus do not become comfortable in homogenous views.
A lot can be learned from sources people don’t agree with, such as Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” teaching us that it is better to be responsible citizens, or how, like Rome, so too can horrible leadership be built brick by brick. Therefore, it is important you engage in civil discussion, spread proper information about who’s running for office, and make sure you’re ready to vote, because the very foundation that leads the U.S. is being re-elected this year — all 435 House and 34 Senate seats.
As this election becomes the epitome of divisive, we, the upcoming generation, need to remember that political progress is reliant on cooperation. This cooperation will eventually lead us into an atmosphere secure enough to talk about differences of opinion and lead us into healthy debate, one where both sides are heard and innovative solutions are made. It is important we not let the comfort of being a liberal campus infringe upon the free speech of others, and that we ensure our fellow Americans are given a fair opportunity to express their values freely.
Honestly, UAB’s rich diversity teaches that you have a lot to learn from your fellow human. With this, we must ensure we stay away from a “groupthink” mentality. We must be the generation that bridges the gap, for the famous words of Edmund Burke said, “when bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.”
