Tuesday, February 28, 2006

We Get Political

While many universities are hotbeds of political activity, mine is surprisingly calm. When I first came I expected lots and lots of political activity, as that was how I was led to believe universities were like. But in mine, there was nothing - almost no political activity. In the 'bunfight' - the display of all the societies in the uni - the socialist groups were next to the conservative groups, having a good chat. Labour was next to the Tories. It seemed that none of it was serious.

But this week, we got political. This week, the whole university was talking about politics and elections and manifestos and voting. This week is...Students Union Elections. Yippee doo.

To be honest, they are a bit of a joke. Nothing changes from year to year (except events at the university nightclub), the campaigns have no substance (VOTE BIG CHRIS - BECAUSE SIZE REALLY DOES MATTER), and the whole affair is extremely undemocratic - we dont know who the candidates are, what they stand for etc. Its just a mad rush of campaigning in a week, based on faces and slogans.

It is kinda fun though. The whole Students Union buildings and concourse are awash with campaign people, shouting in megaphones, doing silly students, breakdancing, releasing balloons, etc. Its a lot of activity you generally dont see, and if you don't take it too seriously, its good fun, and you meet a lot of new people. Yeah, it hasnt been bad. But I havent had a chance to study!

EDIT: One of my friends was running for a position, and I was helping him, which is why I was involved.

Posted by illogicist at 3:56 PM

5 Comments

  1. Blogger Lym posted at 3/01/2006 05:23:00 AM  
    Oh, this means my university is kewl :p

    I've seen a few political get-togethers and protests organised by the student union. For instances, Gay rights against the conservative party, protesting for re-electing little Johnny (PM John Howard) who was gonna cut back on education benefits which increased university fees.

    I don't keep track of them, but it's nice to see them active. It gives you that university feel and rush! :p
  2. Blogger illogicist posted at 3/01/2006 01:48:00 PM  
    Maybe its just me, but since the beginning of the term my unis been more active, not politically but in terms of human rights and stuff. Its an interesting development and I hope it sticks.
  3. Blogger illogicist posted at 3/03/2006 09:14:00 AM  
    UPDATE : Union elections suck. The results came back: the most popular people won - as usual. Its nothing but one big popularity contest.
  4. Blogger Trevelyana posted at 3/04/2006 06:50:00 PM  
    The only campaigning I heard of since coming to my Uni is that of the ..err.. homosexual group. They wanted to change their club name to the Queer Student Group.
    Seriously..
    So there you go.. the whole hick town at an uproar because of the word queer.

    oh .. there's the occasional "Bigot: A conservative winning an argument over a liberal" bumper sticker.

    Political Activism.. a la hick town.
  5. Blogger illogicist posted at 3/05/2006 11:37:00 AM  
    Sounds like...er...well nevermind. I cant bring myself to say 'fun', even sarcastically.

    Politial Activism on campuses and stuff can be cool, but difficult really. Too much of the mob mentality thing - I cant stand brainless people. I can never throw in my support for an organisation 100%, only causes, because I feel I'm losing my individuality. If you join a political party, it basically means you're supporting their line, whatever it is. I cant give that kind of 100% support. But causes, well, causes I can support as an individual.

    Gone very off-topic. But you've motivated me to write a new blog post.

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