Going green: the latest trending topic or a true hot button issue? The four Democratic candidates for the late Sen. Ted Kennedy’s U.S. Senate seat would have you believe the latter. But are their concerns for the environment genuine, or are they really just trying to jump on the bandwagon? Though each of the candidates at the forum on the environment at Boston University’s School of Management yesterday ‘-‘- U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley, Alan Khazei and Stephen Pagliuca ‘-‘- were vying for the college-aged generation’s assistance in saving the environment. But in their attempts to rally even the most ambitious 20-somethings, an important detail was overlooked when it came time to schedule the forum: student availability.
The forum on the environment was clearly catered to the adult population, when it is the student-aged demographic that should be targeted, especially concerning environmental issues. So, even if their message is one of change, hope and environmental longevity, when not advertised and scheduled appropriately, it doesn’t seem to matter.
The forum, which took place at midday in SMG, had fewer than 50 students in attendance out of a larger audience. The topic, one which is usually targeted toward Generation Y, was poorly advertised around campus but for a few professors who mentioned it in class, and its timing effectively ruled it out for those interested in attending anyway. The panel, whose lone student representative was there as a former Daily Free Press editor, lacked campus presence. The audience, made up of mostly adults, was surely jazzed by the glitziest building the Charles River campus has to offer, though the panel was hosted by College of Communication Dean Tom Fiedler. Regrettably, the event’s poor organization and timing didn’t draw the student crowd.
Clich’eacute;s about being the face of change, working toward a better future and hope for a cleaner, greener tomorrow were preached ‘-‘- but these messages are no good if they fall on deaf and powerless ears. Politicians often complain that our generation is lazy, addicted to our televisions, computers, iPods and cell phones, but then do nothing to cater to our class schedules.
This upcoming election for Kennedy’s replacement Senate seat is an important one. Unfortunately, it’s one that our generation knows little to nothing about. When candidates are quick to campaign with a focus to getting their face out there, how can they expect people to rally behind them? The student population is a huge demographic in Massachusetts that shouldn’t be overlooked. If candidates expect us to believe they’re going to continue to ‘fight Teddy’s fight,’ they should probably make sure they tell us why and how first.
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