The University of Edinburgh is not lacking the heightened political activism stereotypically attributed to those in higher education, with protests occurring regularly through the various political societies on campus. However, with the increasing polarisation of public opinion over sensationalist issues and the extinction of floating voters, even discussions across the political spectrum in this political hotspot have become dangerous.
The main culprit affecting modern debate is undeniably Reform UK, a party whose core values stand opposed to our human rights (which they are planning to abolish). A study by Ralph Scott, which attests that higher education cements a more liberal view in its graduates, explains the cross-party exclusion of the Reform society (not EUSA-affiliated) from any Edinburgh University political event. The coordinated effort of the Green, Labour, LibDem and Pro Independence societies came from the reasoning that ‘politics should never make anyone feel targeted or unwelcome.’ Despite the marginal 11 per cent of 18-24 year olds being estimated Reform voters, it is clear that the many student committees of Edinburgh University simply find their politics as one too harmful for a humane debate.
However, whether this should be copied on a more personal level is a much more sensitive issue. Regardless of our political disbeliefs, a bombardment of torturous politics from the most insipid person you know is never fun. Yet, no matter how many more ‘devil’s advocates’ one can take, it is simply undemocratic not to let these people exercise their freedom of speech… no matter how unbelievably stupid said speech will inevitably be.
Despite all the fierce activism that occurs at this university weekly, it’s common to have people tell you how overwhelmingly weighed down they are by the rising hate across the UK. Asking these people to combat and debate this hate, let alone remain hopeful in the face of it, let alone just survive it all, is a tall order. But it is necessary, however difficult, to help the vulnerable around us through peaceful methods; there is a time for fighting, but there must always be a time for talking. To walk the divide that Reform expands daily by preying on violence, this campus should encourage discussion to reach out and help those who have strayed from its values.
Image by Isabel Beiboer for The Student
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The Future of Campus Debate
The University of Edinburgh is not lacking the heightened political activism stereotypically attributed to those in higher education, with protests occurring regularly through the various political societies on campus. However, with the increasing polarisation of public opinion over sensationalist issues and the extinction of floating voters, even discussions across the political spectrum in this political hotspot have become dangerous.
The main culprit affecting modern debate is undeniably Reform UK, a party whose core values stand opposed to our human rights (which they are planning to abolish). A study by Ralph Scott, which attests that higher education cements a more liberal view in its graduates, explains the cross-party exclusion of the Reform society (not EUSA-affiliated) from any Edinburgh University political event. The coordinated effort of the Green, Labour, LibDem and Pro Independence societies came from the reasoning that ‘politics should never make anyone feel targeted or unwelcome.’ Despite the marginal 11 per cent of 18-24 year olds being estimated Reform voters, it is clear that the many student committees of Edinburgh University simply find their politics as one too harmful for a humane debate.
However, whether this should be copied on a more personal level is a much more sensitive issue. Regardless of our political disbeliefs, a bombardment of torturous politics from the most insipid person you know is never fun. Yet, no matter how many more ‘devil’s advocates’ one can take, it is simply undemocratic not to let these people exercise their freedom of speech… no matter how unbelievably stupid said speech will inevitably be.
Despite all the fierce activism that occurs at this university weekly, it’s common to have people tell you how overwhelmingly weighed down they are by the rising hate across the UK. Asking these people to combat and debate this hate, let alone remain hopeful in the face of it, let alone just survive it all, is a tall order. But it is necessary, however difficult, to help the vulnerable around us through peaceful methods; there is a time for fighting, but there must always be a time for talking. To walk the divide that Reform expands daily by preying on violence, this campus should encourage discussion to reach out and help those who have strayed from its values.
Image by Isabel Beiboer for The Student
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