Opinion: Inclusion is more than you think

Graphic by Kumiye Nakadate

Across America, politics have become more and more divided. Political discussion is far  more of a fight than a conversation, with insults and jokes being used in lieu of proper argument. I believe that unity amongst the people is what our country needs to escape the issues we face.

At a time when the parallels between fascism’s rise in the previous century and Trump’s rise to power are harder to ignore than to notice, a resistance to tyrannical takeover is of vital importance. This resistance however, cannot be aimed at the common people who do not support it. It must instead be solely focused on those in power who oppress both their supporters and opposition.

Like many universities, most students at Cal Poly Humboldt have left-leaning political views. The majority is so overwhelming that many Conservative students are scared to reveal their beliefs.

I interviewed an officer for the Turning Point USA club here at Humboldt, a Conservative political organization that has chapters at hundreds of universities nationwide. The officer wanted to remain unnamed because of that fear. She said political discussions in her class were difficult because, “I can’t always participate in those discussions because I don’t want to out myself.” 

“I think it’s a bummer that we’re on a campus where people who have different opinions are not welcome,” she said.

The organization champions freedom of speech and free markets, and works by educating young people to become politically active. However, it has been known nationwide for hateful and bigoted comments made by its leaders. The chapter here at Humboldt seems to be the only conservative political club on campus, which leads to a different membership than other places in the nation.

There is a gray area where normal people are being represented by hateful leaders. People have different ideas of what is true, and don’t agree on what is fact.

They had a tabling event in the quad on Feb. 6 which was met with a group of protestors sporting pride flags and playing music designed to disrupt their table.

“We don’t want their opinions on our campus and we’re doing our best to make sure that those opinions don’t end up on our campus,” said protestor Jessie F.  

“If they say hateful things about the people I love and people I care about I’m going to do my best to make sure that their voice is as small as possible,” said another protestor named Casey Y.

Hate has no place in Humboldt, and it is critical that we fight to keep it far from our community. However, it is vital not to conflate conservatism with hate or fascism. Conservatives are a diverse group of people, who identify as Conservative for a variety of reasons. It is foolish to claim that all Conservatives are hateful. It is important to first hear what a person has to say before claiming to know what they stand for. 

At the same time as the Turning Point protest, Quinlan House was tabling on the other side of the quad for the Newman Center, a Catholic organization that hosts dinners, prayer and more. I spoke to one of the representatives about politics, and he felt that people on both sides of the aisle would disregard the other side without even hearing what they had to say. He noted, “they’ll just sort of shut down immediately.”

Without being able to talk about political issues, people turn to the internet to find others who agree with them. This worsens the problem of echo chambers, where people become entrenched in their beliefs due to only hearing like minded arguments and not being exposed to those on the other side. 

Not only does fostering a campus where differences of opinion are respected create a better environment for everyone, it actually makes people more likely to find common ground once they share their ideas. Freedom of speech and thought are key to a democracy, especially one dealing with anti-Democratic pressures. We must remember that inclusivity means welcoming those you don’t have much in common with. 

Protest has long been one of the key elements of social movements, and is one of the most valuable protections under the Constitution. Use of protest at CPH is a fantastic example of our university’s passionate and involved student base. Demonstrations with a clear and concise message can be remarkably effective, as seen throughout history. 

Protest is only one way that social change occurs. Written, recorded and conversational rhetoric, shapes and changes the way we think and feel. 

Fear, hate and selfishness are on the rise across the globe. Those who oppose these forces must use every tool available to counteract them. Spreading positive ideals and deconstructing fear-based manipulation tactics is difficult, but necessary. This is not done by attacking people or their beliefs, but by extending compassion and true understanding. 

To better our world, country and most importantly community, we must practice acceptance and actually listen to what others have to say. We must come together and realize that no civilian is another’s enemy, and that solidarity is peace and power. While the rich profit from our division, they cannot oppress a unified populace. A community that fights itself suffers where a community that helps one another blossoms. 

* This only reflects the opinion of the author, not of the newspaper as a whole.