- THE CONFORMITY OF OPINION -

One would expect, in a school such as ours that calls itself international, to find a diversity of opinion and an atmosphere of lively controversy. Che Guevara haunts every corner and backpack, a symbol of adolescent rebellion; yet most often coupled with that common teen abhorrence of communism and fascination with the free market. At the end of the day they all retire to those ‘ever reliable’ McDonalds, Burger King and Starbucks joints – American multi-national corporations that greedily conquer every inch of the planet and engulf the consumer.

Where did originality and individual spirit go? A little while ago, Carpe Diem published an issue with a political cartoon on the front cover. This cartoon depicted a Muslim man (supposedly an Arab) reading a newspaper article about the failed/foiled (and alleged) terror plot while watching a trailer for the infamous ‘Snakes on a plane’ wondering, “Why didn’t we think of that?” I find it shocking, in such an international environment, that people can stoop so low. Have opinions – of course – but have some respect too. This cartoon clearly demonstrates the uniformity of opinion within the boundaries of our school system. And it is racist, discriminatory and unjust. This incriminating assumption on the part of the ‘first world’ countries in the west that “all Muslims are not terrorists but all terrorists are Muslim” shows just how far backward we have come from any possible sense of social justice or equality.

Have you ever held a minute’s silence for the thosands of victims in Palestine? Have you ever even considered the continued plight of the people in Afghanistan and Iraq, or remembered and respected the thousands who suffered from the Tsunami after 2004 was over? And now ask yourself if you’ve remembered or held silence for September 11^th victims, of the July 7^th bombings in London or even the Armistice of the First World War. Isn’t it perverse? These are ‘first world’ tragedies – that is why they are seen in so important and critical a light. These are disasters that have affected the countries that deem themselves MDC’s. I ask you, are you more developed if you are like the USA and have much money and weapons, and less developed if you’re like Egypt and economically poorer but with a wealth of culture and heritage? Oh yes, I see the logic.

These terms, these stereotypes, these segregations – how can we not yet be rid of them? It is a hypocritical world we inhabit, thinking the west superior because of its military might and power over others. Imperialism is still rife in new forms, and it will make people rise. Oaxaca will lead the way to revolution. And if you’re afraid of a repetition of 1917, then it is time to think and revolutionise your ideas. Have some respect for others, don’t look down at people, don’t use such sick stereotypes of other cultures. And don’t conform. Be original, think for yourselves. Or all the world will be lost to fools.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I would like to thank the Carpe Diem for issuing the obscene cartoon that has inspired this article.

BY R*A*P*