Our generation is in danger. Just look at current events like the incomplete facts and unsettling conclusion of the Troy Davis story, the questionable reasons behind Alabama’s very own immigration bill, and all the way down to the University of Alabama’s most recent racially offensive incident (if you had not heard, watch your Crimson account for one of those deeply heartfelt electronic notices of non-endorsing).

As Americans, we pride ourselves on the notion that we hold the blueprint for what it means to be innovative in all things, including cultural inclusion and race relations. You know, “We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men are created equal …” and all that.

Those words have been intrinsically bound to American culture and credited by every history textbook we have ever been given to be the backbone of what we, as a nation of “free and equal” individuals should stand for. Those words have been written for over two hundred years and yet discrimination and racism are re-emerging topics in our society.

This is the way it has always been, but today I feel something more than passing distain. I am a first generation student in my fourth year here. I have been at the University long enough to witness the 2009 SGA Presidential Campaign when Kendra Key was miraculously beaten; I was here when the religious slurs began to cover the grounds of the campus just as the atheists and agonists showed up and accusations were flying from all sides; I was at work when the news broke that a graduate student walking past a fraternity house was called a derogatory name; and I was here when our LGBTQ student group walked in the Homecoming parade for the first time and witnessed tremendous scrutiny from onlookers and participants.

Each of these incidents brought its own small waves of anger and consent, mostly indifference. But eventually we lost interest.

We stopped talking about them and chose to ignore how each event added to the already tainted image this University has with the subject of diversity. This is why we are in danger.

How is it that in a place where education, knowledge and exploration of self and community is supposed to be the focus, we, as young Americans, can choose to shy away from in-depth conversation and meaningful action?

We have been afforded the opportunity to attend an accredited institution in the hopes that we better ourselves to better the world, and yet we are scared of the consequences that come with going against the grain. We are complacent, lazy and too concerned with the perspective of others.

The generations before us fought for their beliefs, challenged collectivism, rejected government influence, and backed- up their sentiments with profound thoughts. I feel so sorry for our elders, having to watch the reversal of our society.

Now it is only a question of time. How long will it take us to revert back to the times of black and white with the absence of grey? How long before minority students at the University fear walking across campus, attending social events, or even applying? How long before the implied hatred and rumored happenings become tangible daily experiences and violent realities? (By the way, the terms “black” and “African American” are not synonyms for the word “minority”; it encompasses so much more).

I am not asking you to be angry, nor am I attempting to cause disorder within the Capstone community. What I am hoping is that as you read this, you begin to question my words and the incidents that inspired them.

I want to invoke in you the initiative to implement change and the courage to voice your opinion. I want you to realize the power of the young scholar and to recognize that when you made the decision to come here to further your academic pursuits, you inherited a responsibility to those who were unable to do the same.

You must use the resources afforded you to shape the future we approach. To those of you who believe that indifference is the best answer to my questions, I offer this: I was once told that silence implies consent.

Well, speak up. Say something other than “Idk” or “oh well”. Challenge yourself and ask more of those with whom you choose to surround yourself.

We must collectively will change to happen. It will not come on its own. Start now, while you are here at the University of Alabama. This would be the point where someone says, “It’s never too late to start”. Today, at this school, in this state, at this time, they would be wrong.

Whitney A. Jones is senior majoring in public relations and psychology.