Democratic presence overwhelms campus

From Wellesley College Democrats posters in elevators to Spectrum event cards on dining hall tables, there is no argument that the liberal presence on Wellesley College’s campus is widespread. The majority of students at Wellesley are Democrats.

The dominant liberal presence is not restricted to Wellesley, but extends to other university campuses in Boston. For instance, Boston University has an actively liberal student body. Ninety percent of Harvard graduates in Congress are Democrats.

Massachusetts is, in general, a liberal state. Current presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s career actually hails gained prominence in the liberal state that supports gay-marriage. It is quite remarkable how this tiny 10,000 square mile state can encompass such diverse political views.

The United States comprises vast differences in political beliefs on a broader scale as well. Lively debates on Facebook, in class or at public meetings are nothing out of the ordinary all over the country. Disagreement is inevitable and, occasionally, even encouraged. Looking at both sides of a problem allows one to gain a much broader perspective. This should be kept in mind, especially now that Wellesley Alumna Janna Ryan is slowly emerging into the U.S. political spotlight as the wife of Republican candidate for the vice-presidency, Paul Ryan.

Anyone can settle down comfortably with a niche of like-minded fellows, but someone with true courage is not afraid to have her views challenged by outsiders. Several years ago, SOAC awarded the Club of the Year title to the Wellesley College Republicans. As Co-President Caitlin Alcala ’10 stated, “It is the club that sticks to its purpose.” Despite the liberal presence on campus, the conservative members of the club are not fazed, and continue to dedicate their efforts toward planning campaign events, fostering activism and networking.

That is the point of activism. Stand up for what you believe is right, in spite of the opposition. In the end, everyone is united by the common aspiration of getting involved politically, and being an active part of human rights movements. “From sea to shining sea”—the melting pot is not an outdated idea. The United States is a country of differing perspectives and individualism.

The Democratic presence on campus illustrates students’ eagerness to get involved in activism, and helps fosters students’ growing awareness of today’s political affairs. Therefore, it should be empowering, not constraining. Any student who feels uncomfortable ought to remember that his or her opinion is just as valuable as anyone who holds the opposite view. In some oppressive countries where political freedom is prohibited, most notably Iran, voicing an opinion can mean imprisonment or even death. The beauty of political freedom in the United States is that everyone’s voice can be heard and every opinion can be declared.