Josenian Freedom Wall
#JFW693
I've been seeing alot of ragebait posts lately against different student orgs, and how these organizations respond to these criticisms and concerns. I'm not affiliated with either so I'd like to give my thoughts on this 'issue'.
I understand that each organization is different, with varying approaches to how they deal with criticism, either through humor or through formal responses. However, I've noticed that some of these responses seem to "invalidate" or to "one-up" the criticism, complemented by a barrage of their sycophants, supporters and even other organization members.
Even though some, if not most of these criticisms are merely surface-level instigations for the sake of such, there are still some of these concerns that do have a hint of truth within them, even though it's superficial facade.
The situation I'd like to highlight for this is the post that pointed out the lack of movement and visibility of some representatives of the student council, the response of which was through a council member giving a realistic and plausible explanation of these shortcomings, due to factors such as the disruption of classes due to calamities, and the adjustment period for the new congress.
Although I do find the statement commendable, it seems to invalidate the 'hint of truth' that was implied within the original post, despite it's blunt, borderline insulting nature.
I can (circumstantially) attest to this concern as I have personally seen these varying 'councils' and 'congresses' in the university come and go throughout the years here. While they are active in facilitating events and activities to cater towards the student body, I find that SOME of these "elected representatives" who seemed to tirelessly advocate for their initiatives underneath their student party, seem to 'disappear' once the position actually reaches them.
My observation is not an invalidation of the council and their efforts, as I understand the great burden of their efforts, such as balancing these labor-intensive duties while being students themselves. I am also not directly condemning them, as it may be their first time in a prominent position such as this, and that can lead to some difficulties in the implementation or execution of their proposed projects and programs.
However, given the way that the situation has been handled, especially with the supporting replies and engagement from the aforementioned groups to the response levied, seemed positioned as an attempt to close off further discussion, despite a seemingly brief consideration to the original criticism.
Again, I understand where they're coming from, and that they seem to not pay any mind to engage further, probably to focus rather on their own efforts, which I can admire, but I do think this raises a concern for me as a student.
While there are proper channels of greviance that the both council and university has implemented, I personally believe that it is unlikely that these types concerns may truly be resolved or effectively be dealt with in a definitive manner given it's private nature. This is why I am thankful for non-partisan pages such as this, in which a "fair ground" can be established between these leaders and students.
I also hope that these student leaders can view the criticisms held towards them or their organizations not as an implication of attack in which it could easily be solvable through a lengthy paragraph of defense, but rather to develop an open conversation towards the person/s concerned that have raised these affairs, in a way that is not dismissive within the guise of constructive wording.
It must be neccessary to hold these elected individuals, officers and executive individuals responsible, as accountability is not antagonism. There also must be a constant back-and-forth feedback to ensure that their promises are kept, transparency becomes a given rather than a privilege, and that a more effective synergy is created between the student body and the student leaders, representatives and officers govern over.