Editorial: Community Canceled, Mad Men Featured

05 Apr, 2012 6:13

Written by Bull Bear Editors

It is without a doubt that this past year has been tumultuous. From the MUNACA strikes, to the November 10th, 2011 riots to the 250,000 strong protests on March 22nd, 2012, The Bull & Bear certainly has not had too many slow news days this past year. Along with the numerous controversial and divisive events, various voices have also been raised from both sides of the spectrum. If anything, this past year has at least shown the power of diversity – a proud McGill distinction.

But somewhere down the path, a line was crossed. It’s not a very blatant or obvious line, but a line nonetheless. And while campus writers and pundits may choose to endlessly debate where it happened, the point remains that diversity has no longer become celebrated, but instead become a point of contention. Starting with the small details, there grew a mutual disgust between those who supported MUNACA strikes and those who did not, spreading likewise to supporting or against the November 10th riots and finally dividing the campus between those against tuition hikes and those who either don’t care or support them. Over the past year, it is diversity that has splintered the campus. Ultimately, McGill now feels less like a shared association, but rather segmented by false generalizations of Management “capitalists,” Arts “hipsters,” Engineering “nerds,” and so on.

For many of us, McGill was our choice due to its simultaneous diversity as well as acceptance, an institution where one was free to express views without judgment or criticism. More importantly, however, is the basic fact that we are all here to get an education, something that is clearly not being accomplished through grand occupations or over-egoistic politics. Even Desautels is not immune to such fallacies, proudly displaying a multitude of over-inflated, Hugo Boss-clad Management personalities. Granted, McGill is a place full of passionate, energetic people and there are very real issues that need to be dealt with, but it is also important to recognize the fervour of one’s actions should not divide the valued sense of community that makes McGill so strong. While strong opinions from every angle are encouraged both here at The Bull & Bear and on campus, they are meant to be respectful and not used to bludgeon one’s neighbour in Leacock 132. At the very least, the egos and politics must subside to give diversity and collaboration a chance.

Ultimately, one editorial won’t change the campus overnight. Instead, it is our hope that people simply remember that we are here for two goals: to get an education and grow as individuals. Once accomplished, the freedom is yours to rule Wall Street, change the world or simply conquer the parents’ basement. But as long as you’re here, really take advantage of what we have at McGill rather than becoming the next Gordon Gekko around campus.

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