Alex Swallow
I don't understand the cynicism of some people. In my research I stumbled across an amazing site: www.i-cynic.com
There is even a 'Cynic's Hall of Fame', featured. But at least the people it lists are creatively cynical, rather than cynical in a lazy way, when people can't be bothered to question the status quo, and can't see why you would want to either. Cynicism at university level is bad enough. Cynicism when you are trying to change something for students, to get a petition signed, or to give out some information. I remember at my own university fresher's fair some of the funny looks I got when simply asking people to show their support for an initiative to improve some street lighting. On the big issues, like fighting against fees, it is possible to engage people and get them out marching, and it is then that you realise that if only this power could be harnessed on a regular basis, what a dynamic and powerful union of students we could and indeed should be.
Cynicism at NUS level is even worse. Most of the students at my university aren't cynical about NUS, they simply have no opinion on it as they perceive it to have no effect on their lives. But they trust that their elected representatives will do a good job in promoting their interests.
It seems to be that students' unions in this country have two major factions pulling them in two different directions. There are those who believe in,(to coin a fashionable phrase), 'students for students', there are others who think that international issues should be on the agenda, and there are those of us who think that it has to be something of a combination of the two.
I am myself cynical of the pure,'students for students', argument, because I think this is the easy option, a way for us to shirk our responsibilities to the wider world. For instance, Shimon Peres' Conference fringe talk has been reported on both Arab and Israeli websites, that are intended for a wider audience, not just students. What we say has an impact on those beyond our immediate peers. We can't avoid something which is right there in front of us. As Kat Fletcher eloquently put it in her presidential speech, you may not take an interest in politics, but one day, 'politics will take an interest in you'.
But what saddens me most are those who believe that as students we can never achieve anything, that those against whom we fight hold all the cards. They may even doubt our ability to have an impact on the world full stop. These views have been proved wrong time and time again. At NUS conference, we have just elected a new set of representatives who we hope will continue the fight. Some of them we may agree with, some of them disagree with. Some of them we may personally like, some of them not. But if we are ever to achieve anything, we must put these things behind us. We must unite behind what we do have, what we have achieved, and the common future that the majority of us want to see. As students, as hard as we may work, never again in our lives are we likely to have the same freedom to be able to campaign on the things that are important to us. We are not 'just students'. We have a vote, we have a say, we have a means to be able to make people listen.
At the conference, we passed some essential policy on key issues, including anti means-testing policy which strengthens our hand in arguing for a free education for all. As a body we are united in our commitment to making sure that everyone is able to access the education that they deserve. Those who think we haven't influenced the White Paper are wrong. Those who think we don't still have an opportunity to influence it are wrong. At that conference were impressive, able people from all areas of the poltical spectrum. We must express our differences and learn from each other, but we must also be strong together. If we don't do anything, nothing will happen. But that doesn't mean that it couldn't. People are cynical of the motives of those who get involved in student politics, cynical about the impact we can have. Let them be cynical. But those who would rather do, than moan, let us stand tall. NUS, and NUS Conference might not be perfect. But they are a lot better than nothing, so why not make the best of them we can.
NUS Conference 2003
A First Timers View
On the Fringe
Cynicism, and why I don't trust it
Presidential Election
Other Full-Time Elections
Block of Twelve and Committee Elections
NUS Conference Overview
Conference Live
