Wise-asses whining about the "stop hate" campaign and taking it in an absurdly literal fashion are so pathetic they aren't even worth hating.
In the past few weeks, there has been some campus activism as a response to numerous incidents of racial harassment. The Stop Hate campaign was started by a group of graduate students. The culmination of their efforts was the hanging of a large banner with the word hate printed inside a circle with a slash through it.
The response from some students has been rather, well, hateful.
They say things like: "Hate is an emotion! There are things you should hate. like racism, genocide and reality television! Get that banner away from me! I hate that crap!"
It's stunningly original, deep commentary. I'm sure the goal of the banner's makers was to make sure you don't hate applesauce or the latest Rob Schneider movie.
Everyone knows what this campaign is about. The phrase Stop Hate is a short for Stop Racism, Prejudice and Discrimination. And "everyone" means "everyone" - the wise-asses included. They know perfectly well what Stop Hate means, and what it does not mean.
At the heart of this backlash is a general cynicism towards the Stop Hate activism - and activism in general. Critics are saying things like: "What good will signing a banner do? You think the campaign will actually get people to stop being racist? Could you be anymore childish, idealistic and naive?"
It stings all the more because there's a kernel of truth in the cynics' claims. What tangible effects has the Stop Hate campaign yielded? Does putting up a big antihate banner on Bracken Library actually inspire people to change? Can one racist be found who has changed in any way as a result of this activism?
It's a legitimate charge - too bad it was not stated more intelligently and respectfully.
The issue strikes at the heart of almost all activism. Similar cynical attacks could be made about antiwar activism. You think marching around with a sign and chanting slogans is going to have any effect on what President George W. Bush and company do? Do you think it'll actually make a difference? Wake up, hippie.
Perhaps, though, activism really isn't entirely about the people at whom it's directed.
The smart activist is realistic about the effects of his actions. He knows a banner is not going to change the world.
The question, though, regards what one does in the face of evil. How can we, as a campus, respond to acts of racism? A banner is infinitely better than nothing.
Yes, those who practice hate will probably ignore us. But that's no reason to keep from voicing opposition. Just because you're chained to the wall in the belly of the darkest dungeon does not mean you should stop screaming. It is inherently foolish and cowardly to believe that because evil will always exist, one should not fight it but, instead, should tolerate it.
One of the primary purposes of activism is to provoke dialogue. And the Stop Hate campaign has accomplished that. Even the "haters" cannot deny it because they have participated in the dialogue.
The question remains: "How do we fight racism?" If signing a banner is not adequate, then what is? The floor is open for debate.
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