Excited about being released from class 15 minutes early to witness what may be the most significant moment of the year, my friends and I walked toward the seating area of The Commons hoping to see what would me my very first American inauguration ceremony.
Yes, it’s inauguration day at IU Southeast, and the excitement is palpable. Campus is alive and buzzing about the potential “hope” and “change” President Barack Obama has been talking about since the very beginning of his campaign. It’s not surprising considering that 66 percent of 18-29-year-old voters gave their voice to the first African-American president of the United States.
Despite the amount of votes generated by the American youth, one can’t help but wonder if Obama’s rock-star politician charm or policy won them over.
The occasional clapping and cheering ensued during the president’s inauguration speech, but, after the first five minutes or so, I began to realize that apathy seemed to have swept the floor.
To my left, I overheard a fascinating discussion about World of Warcraft, and, behind me, the ever so much more important Lindsay Lohan may or may not be a lesbian.
As the speech went on, more and more young folk disbanded and clapped only when they overheard cheering sounds echo from the nearby Hoosier Room.
Curious about the behavior, I proceeded to hit the floor and to find out about the lack of interest in what may be one of the most important moments in American history.
After collecting copious amounts of information, I realized that not only is the vast majority of the student body uninformed – big shocker – but blatantly and unapologetically apathetic about one of the greatest triumphs over racism in America.
Some of the worst example of this blatant apathy came from sources who understandably wished to remain anonymous.
Some of the most disheartening responses ranged from the slightly racist, “It’s good to see that not original Americans can now become president,” to the more obvious, “Well, blacks are going to take over now that’s for sure.”
Being an optimist, I decided that perhaps interviewing a few select students regarding the issue would prove me wrong. I sat down with a group of students who responded similarly, when asked what this inauguration meant to them.
I was met with a surprising response, “I think people are just excited because he’s black. Nothing’s going to change. What can he do? I mean, it’s more of the same crap.”
Inevitably, more of the same did follow: Students who told me about the excitement they feel about having a “black guy” in office and a few who ranted on about the first lady’s wardrobe choices.
I started asking questions regarding Obama’s policy on Guantanamo Bay and stem cell research. When I was not met with a look of utter confusion, the responses rarely varied from the occasional, “Yeah, I think that stuff is good,” to, “I don’t really keep up with that stuff. Politics make me mad. That’s why I don’t vote.”
Fear not — there is a light at the end of this proverbial tunnel of ignorance.
I sat down with John Cronin, political science junior, who said, “In general I do not believe the American youth was genuinely aware and educated about Obama’s policies.
“I think most of them were caught up in the excitement, which goes along with a rock-star politician,” he said. “There are always some exceptions to the rule, but generally the rule is that they weren’t informed.”
When I asked Cronin about what he thinks of the youth at IU Southeast, he said, “I think the younger student population was more informed this election than any election in the past. The difference between this one and another one is not only a difference in policy, but also a difference in generation.
“We could have chosen to give John McCain’s generation another shot at power,” he said. “But, instead, we decided it was time for the next generation of Americans to take over and begin leading in Washington, D.C.”
Perhaps this is the case. The majority of young people at IU Southeast were swept up in Obama’s charm and come inauguration day the excitement waned a bit. Either way, it’s refreshing to hear students like Cronin and a few others who are genuinely informed.
Maybe Obamamania will continue to inspire young people to educate themselves further about the system and the people running this country.
By AHLAEN SIMIC
Staff Writer
asimic@ius.edu
