Opinions about Social Action Groups

Questions

In the survey we asked members of social action groups to answer a series of questions concerning the nature of the types of groups themselves. These are the questions along with students' responses to them. Notice how varied their opinions are!

Question #1

- There are many groups on Dickinson campus dedicated to issues of race and few that deal with gender/sexuality. There are no groups that deal specifically with issues of class. How do you feel about the lack of diversity within Dickinson’s social action groups?

Question #2

- Would you support a social action group dedicated to issues of class and/or classism? Why or why not?

"No. Such a group would only work to divide students via artificial divisions and class-warfare rhetoric". ~ Nick Truesdale, Vice President of Dickinson College Republicans

"I would definitely support such a group because although I stated earlier that a possible cause for there not being a group dealing with class as the student population on campus not acknowledging class as an issue or problem to be discussed, I personally realize that it very well may be. Class can be just as alienating and divisive to human beings on a college campus as race but most of the time race is looked to first". ~ Rick Raymond, member of the African American Society

"Yes, I would support a group dedicated to issues of class, but I think it would be better to simply include disscusions of class in the existing groups." ~ Caitlin Conyngham, member of the Women's Center executive board

Question #3

- Why do you think there are so many groups dedicated to racial issues? What types of groups would you like to see more or fewer of? Why?

"I think race is very visual and thus easier to talk about. Race has also become a more socially acceptable topic, unlike issues of power within gender and class. Instead of creating new groups to deal with those issues, I would like to see the consolidation of groups with similar interests that could join." ~ Caitlin Conyngham, member of the Women's Center executive board

"I feel like the groups on Dickinson’s campus reflect for the most part what students feel need to be addressed. The fact that there are so many groups dealing with race and a lack thereof dealing with gender/sexuality represents to me, that more students are concerned with race as an issue on campus than gender or sexuality and finally class. This does not mean it is not important but, I think that this means students do not feel there is an issue to be discussed when it comes to those issues (at least not as much as there is in comparison with racial issues)."

Interview with Gretchen Symons, Director of Student Activities

Back to Social Action Groups Addressing Class and Classism

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