Hypocrisy is alive and well at Tufts University. In fact, as the semester has progressed, the incidences of hypocritical propaganda among certain members of the student body have become overwhelming. Most recently, hypocrisy reared its ugly head on the roof of the Tisch Library. Interestingly enough, this occurred during a rally condemning discrimination and intolerant behavior on campus.
I would like to provide you with a little background information on myself along with the events that have led me to this conclusion. I am a junior, political science major, and an active member of the Tufts Republicans. I have been directly involved with politics for over ten years and have thoroughly enjoyed the stimulating controversy and debate that party affiliation provides.
However, since arriving at Tufts, I have found that the stimulating political controversy that I once enjoyed has been tainted by bitter animosity among the students and their various organizations. It appears that political differences have instigated a variety of unwelcome and unjustified attacks on several different occasions.
I am an avid supporter of George W. Bush and have been a very active participant in his campaign since the beginning. Over the course of the year, I collected a variety of Bush paraphernalia including sweatshirts, pins, buttons, stickers, and other knick-knacks. Last week, I decided to wear my Bush/Cheney sweatshirt to class. As a result, on three separate occasions, members of the student body verbally assaulted me. I was called a murderer, barbarian, and beast, along with a few other names that would make a sailor blush.
These verbal assaults did not surprise me. In fact, I have come to expect and enjoy them. It is amazing how ignorant an intelligent group of people can be. My greatest surprise came later in the afternoon while leaving campus. As I walked past the Tisch Library, I noticed there was some sort of rally taking place. It turns out the rally was in protest of campus discrimination and the lack of tolerance among students. The interesting part is that three of the four people who had verbally accosted me earlier in the afternoon appeared to be leading the group in anti-discrimination chants and clever slogans demanding equality. At least, their version of equality. It appears that their warped sense of equality only ascribes to randomly selected acts that are decided at their convenience. And, somehow my freedom of expression wasn't applicable. Hypocrisy at its best.
I am not sure what organization sponsored last week's rally at Tisch. But, whoever was responsible needs to take a good look at the integrity of their members. And remember that just because someone holds different political ideologies, that doesn't make them the enemy. In fact, I'm sure if we look close enough there would be a number of common interests and beliefs among all members of the student body. But, until we can look past the stereotypes often associated with different groups - such as the Republican Party - we will never know. So the next time that a rally is held for those mistreated on campus, light a candle for me.
Hank Compton is a junior majoring in political science. He is a member of the Tufts Republicans.
