Campus Activism, is it worth it?

STAND (A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition) is holding a forum Thursday 8-10pm in the International Lounge (in Usdan) called “What’s the Point?”:

Have questions about the value of your activism? Wonder if it is any use?

Come hear a panel of professors, activist, adn studetns around campus talk about the importance and significance of taking action for causes we care about, especially when what we are fighting for (or against) is miles away.

You should go. It should be good. Also, the speakers are Professor Gordon Fellman, Professor Cunningham, myself, and Evan Green-Lowe. The Professors are talking about whatever, I’m supposed to talk about how activism is fullfilling to me, and Evan is going to talk about how students are frustrated with activism and view activism on campus with suspicion.

I think this event speaks to many people’s experiences with being disillusioned by activism. It should be good, and I’m not only saying that because they are flattering me by asking me to be a panelist. Also – dinner will be provided, I hear.

Brandeis Saves the Big 3

I was greeted this morning by a delightful email sent out to Sociology majors.  Noted website and blog Huffington Post has begun publishing the work of Brandeis professor (drumroll please)…

Gordie Fellman!

Surprisingly, rather than writing about the latest phase of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on which he teaches a class, Gordie hypothesizes about how to save the auto industry. He concludes that rather than continuing to hire executives who demand huge salaries, private jets, and golden parachutes, the Big 3 would be smarter to:

Turn to the one resource that probably has the strength, imagination, daring, and commitment to pull off a complete turnaround of the auto companies. I am talking about the lower level staff and workers who can bring their ideas, their ignored wisdom, and their neglected talents to the executive suite and figure out how to solve transportation problems in ways that will benefit everyone.

It’s a short article and a quick read so I suggest you take a look at the whole thing.

It’s nice to know that there is a professor at Brandeis who we can trust to take the side of the working class every time.