The Awakening of a Generation

This week, my generation finally took a stand.

The media has reported several reasons for this huge demonstration in our capital city. The principal cause cited was an objection to the potential re-introduction of university fees. Of course, many demonstrators themselves held this as the solitary cause for the protest and must be identified as the main reason for the strong turnout.

Indeed, an interesting cross-section of society made up this group of demonstrators. We had government supporters, anarchists, country and city dwellers, revolutionaries, drunks and students of all kinds. This diversity created a vibrant atmosphere of hope and unity. But the issue of fees pales in comparison to the real significance of this demonstration.

What this unity represents, was the real effect of the march. We can no longer be painted as a jaded and apathetic generation. If an injustice emerges, we will face it head on as a strong and driven group. We may have problematic elements in our generation, but we can deal with them and strive to create a society of tolerance while retaining a strong sense of morality and justice.

As we demonstrated in the city centre this week, the government would do well to support us - for we will inherit these streets.

-The English Student

Moralising Alcoholics

Last night, I was once again coerced into swearing off a substance.

Why is it that people feel the need to focus on my methods of sedation over their own, socially accepted techniques? It seems that my friends won't be happy until they have succesfully driven me to alcoholism on par with their own crippling addiction.

There is a very direct societal analogue to be observed here. Everyone has a tendency to numb, blur or even destroy their perception of reality from time to time. In such a harsh world, this kind of escapism is only natural. But there seems to be very few acceptable ways of doing this nowadays.

To relieve the stress of everyday life, it is completely satisfactory to get absolutely polluted with alcohol. But how many fights, verbal or otherwise, do we observe on a weekly basis due to this over indulgence of drink? How many people have been adversely affected by liver problems derived from alcoholic binges? It is my opinion therefore, that society has put emphasis on the wrong method of sedation.

I do not intend to post a pious "legalise it" rant. Rather, this is a suggestion that alcoholics, coffee addicts and heavy smokers look at their own vice, before condemning mine.

-The English Student

This is the First

A student should be vocal.

Without the chains of responsibility, coupled with an obscene amount of free time, it is completely natural for one to question, enquire and probe public opinion. Consequently, students are seen as a loud, outspoken group that revels in perpetually forcing opinions, often to the point of obnoxiousness.

I am a student, enrolled with the English Department of a fair institution of a fair country. Yet with this forthright behaviour expected of students, I have found myself at odds. A grey malaise has crept into my mind, preventing me from articulating, or sometimes even forming such definite views. So I desperately turn to this blog, not hoping to cultivate a beautiful garden of eloquence like my associates, but at least, to slay the weeds of apathy that have taken hold.

I will force myself, once a week, to compose short passages on various subjects that present themselves. The English Student holds no pretensions of an audience, or of followers, but welcomes any reader that may take an interest in this frantic attempt to enliven a lethargic mind.

This is the first. For the sake of my education, my livelyhood, my soul, it must not be the last.

-The English Student