We cover many, many University events. Speakers who spread messages of inequality and peace, stand-up comedy, celebrations, concerts, racial integration. But do you know what many of these events have in common? No one goes to them.
Perhaps saying no one goes to these events is a bit of an overstatement. However, we have noticed a trend of embarrassing low attendance from students.
We at The Plainsman cover these events, but that doesn't mean people go to them. That also doesn't mean people will read our paper. Despite our coverage of these events, we probably wouldn't be going ourselves, outside of assignments.
The University and professors do advertise for events; albeit, not the best they could be. Nevertheless, students have plenty of opportunities to hear about these events, be it a flier or word of mouth.
With the availability of the Internet, there is no real excuse to miss these events other than willful ignorance or an AU_WiFi meltdown, which is entirely plausible.
There is a general apathy about these events, unless it's a headliner as famous as Ludacris. But not every speaker can be famous for a long string of low-budget racing movies.
We too share this general apathy, not only toward the "Fast and Furious" franchise, but toward attending events as a whole.
Many students have busy schedules and genuinely have better things to be doing with their time. This, coupled with a generation growing more introverted with the availability of social media means more couch surfing and less event attending.
Students who choose not to attend these events are perfectly justified in doing so. However, we would encourage everyone to attend as many events as possible.
College is meant to expose students to new things and expand their minds. Students who simply attend class and study are not taking full advantage of the opportunities the University is providing.
How many places can someone take in a lecture on social issues and attend a jazz concert in the same week?
Auburn University offers the potential for students to become cultured.
Searching the Internet and watching TED Talks is great, but nothing compares to taking an active role in the dialogue by showing up in person. Doing so allows for audience members to ask questions and engage in conversation that pales in comparison to an Internet comment section.
Are we as a generation willing to settle and simply polish our Grammy trivia knowledge instead of attending a lecture on inequality?
It's insulting to the University as well as those who are taking time out of their busy schedules to be here and speak, only to stand and talk awkwardly to the handful of professors who invited them.
It is tragic to see someone's work, which in many cases has been for the benefit of humanity, advertised and then disrespected with an audience's absence.
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