Call us hippies, humanitarians, Dr. Seuss' loving Loraxes if you want, but it was par for the course to hear someone cry out, ""I speak for the Humani‘trees'!"" during this year's Editorial Board roundtables. That's because at the beginning of this academic year, Chancellor Biddy Martin declared this the Year of the Humanities. It was supposed to be a tribute to those still lost and wandering through the halls of the Humanities building and/or jobless with that English degree; i.e., an acknowledgement of the importance of those who prioritize critical thinking skills. One of the oldest and most neglected buildings on campus, Humanities houses a limited supply of TAs who are left to tend to inevitably non-profitable, non-math and non-science majors. These students are then left to preserve pride and appreciation for their field. Yet, Biddy's declaration finally promised vindication—theoretically, that is.
The events listed as part of the Year of Humanities on the school's website are numerous and extensive, with topics ranging from Pompeii to the impact of the Book of Revelations and ""Visualities beyond Ocularcentrism."" But while afternoon lectures and discussions on specialized topics under the broad humanities umbrella are productive, they don't highlight the field in any new or progressive ways. And frankly, opportunities to advance studies like that should be standard operating procedure. Attempts to engage students who disregard the humanities were absent—nobody is going to go out of their way to learn what ocularcentrism is, let alone be convinced that such knowledge is worthwhile in the long run. Even worse, attempts to improve the overall academic experience surrounding the humanities were just as flaky. Fighting Brothers for a new music hall and adding a wing to the Chazen do foster growth, but the struggles of the former bury any pure motivations and the presentation of the latter lacked a connection to the broader struggle for the humanities.
We are not saying that anyone in particular is at fault, as the lack of focus on the subjects in the humanities is systemic and far-reaching. More than a couple university-wide activities involving this year's moniker are needed if Biddy Martin is going to acknowledge the growing concern residing in the humanities community throughout campus. Otherwise, a generation of fresh, emerging students will declare their concerns for their moneymaking futures rather than focus on worthwhile academia.
Sure, everyone wants a well-paying job when they graduate from college. But if it's at the price of those who care more about culture and the societal environment that surrounds them, then we take the risk of throwing certain curricula the way of Seuss' Bar-ba-loots, Swomee Swans and Humming Fish—unsatisfied and looking for a more nurturing environment. And I would hate to be the one responsible for the Humanities building decaying any more than it already has. It is obvious that renovations need to be seriously considered, and Biddy's initiative at the start of the year completely lacked a focus that only left students wanting more at the end of the year. So next time, Biddy, if you aim to speak out in support of Humani‘trees', dont lend students false hope by following through with your broad claims.
