Opinion: America has become apathetic

It seems like we're hearing more and more about protests, opposition leaders, and people "having their voices heard." This trend even appeared to have taken hold of a group of A&M-Commerce students in the past week. The group organized as a result of opposition to the Female O program that took place on campus March 7. These students, mostly women, wanted to send the message that they would not stand for the "arcaic(sic), ignorant belief!" presented by "conservative male staff and students of our campus", all according to a Facebook event page created by April Parker.

That's some strong language, given the social implications. Basically, these students were coming out against the kind of conservative thought one would expect from a small, Texas community. Although initially the word "protest" was thrown around at first (and I'm not sure why), it was eventually determined this was a rally that would, apparently, do more to show support for the Female O than just going to the event. Regardless of what you think of this rally, it did my heart good to see our students so organized. Unfortunately, that notion was completely false.

Because, when some other East Texan editors and I dropped by the front of the Sam Rayburn Student center to cover the rally when it was supposed to be held from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, we found no protesters, picket signs or anything that had to do with the Female O and support for it. We didn't even find Ms. Parker herself opposing views she was, clearly, so upset about when she made that Facebook event in the first place. This is the type of apathetic attitude I continue to see from our generation in America.

Contrast this to the United Kingdom, where they actually have a nationwide union of students that freaked the hell out when Parliament raised tuition prices. Classrooms were the scenes of sit-ins for weeks, and thousands of students took to the streets outside of governmental buildings to show just how much they hated this action. So, take into consideration this most recent no-show rally on campus and combine that with the relative disinterest many students seem to have when it comes to politics, world events, and anything beyond what happens within the safe confines of their desks and social media, an alarming trend of apathy and doing the least possible amount of action for the greatest reward comes into view.

In fact, I believe things like Facebook and Twitter are partly to blame. I mean, why go to a rally in Dallas against the use of child soldiers when you can hear about it and communicate with people about it via Twitter. Got an opinion about abortion? There are hundreds of Facebook groups you can join to show your support either way. That's enough, isn't it? It's at least enough to feel like you have contributed, and isn't that what it's all about anyways?

All sarcasm aside, we as a generation need to remember what it means to actually be there, and we have our chance very soon. With the legislation allowing Texas college students to carry concealed handguns into campus buildings expected to pass, I wonder if any students against the law will do anything more than just join a fan page.