Page 41 - Education Issue

He Said She Said

Photos by Lisa K. Miller
Robert Judith A.
Tussey Habert

If ever there was a time in history when society should wake, First, I would like to thank Bob for his kind words. It is men
it is now. Change comes slowly. Laboriously slow. But…it comes. like Bob who support women in everything they attempt that
On all fronts. The struggle for Civil rights and injustices should helps makes our growth possible. So kudos to you Bob.
have been in the rear view mirror a long time ago. They’re not. A I must say I am glad I’m not a young person trying to find
woman’s ‘place’ should be anywhere she wants. It’s not. Education my way at this time in history. Things were always tough, but
should be the best in the world. It’s not. Generations of antipathy they never seemed quite as difficult as I sense it is for our young
have led us to a place where a college education is an amalgam people today.
of accomplishment and crushing debt. The middle class should be Getting a college degree is a challenge, which unfortunately
the stalwart of a strengthening society. It is not. This isn’t about this new generation doesn’t feel is as important as back in my
politics or who’s on whose side. This is the conundrum of change. day. College for many is financially out of reach which is sad, as
Men, women, and children are the future. Not mechanized where does that leave the future of our country if our youth is not
assembly lines and robots. But where do we fit in? Where is the adequately educated and prepared to take over the country.
path to follow? Where it’s NOT is where we are going. Paradise I feel as if true education and knowledge is, unfortunately,
lost, and a Pumpkin Spice Latte have become allies in the lacking in our youth. Some colleges fear to discuss issues in
conversation. We are looking for answers to questions we can’t yet their entirety and instead focus alone on their beliefs instead
frame. Simply put, we’re all armchair quarterbacks in this game, of allowing free discussion and inquiry on all sides of an issue.
and no one has all the answers. College back in my day, encouraged differing opinions and as a
I know this is cryptic, but that’s what life feels like today. The result, we all learned tolerance of views that were not our own
last three generations have had opportunities unlike any before. as well as actual facts about each side of the issues. Today it
But they are finding out that what was true when they were appears as if sound bites are being repeated over and over again,
eighteen isn’t true at twenty-five. Oh, we Boomers did too, but but if the person reciting these statements is questioned more
it was never on the scale we see today. College debt is crushing in-depth, there are no answers, simply because they are only
the spirit of far too many. Home ownership is a distant prayer. repeating what they have been told and never inquire further
Financial stability is iffy at best. Women are becoming stronger into the reason for these statements. There are good colleges out
and speaking truths that have remained hidden far too long. there, so do your homework, look for financial assistance and
Women are taking a major role where their male counterparts scholarships, and if you still can’t manage it now, realize that
once ruled. The dynamic of genders is changing: As it should. you are never too old to learn. Work and save so you can get the
The giddy day-to-day travails between men and women will education you desire. This will allow you to graduate ready to
probably never change. We’re going to tease each other about take the reins.
clothing, cooking, and kids, et al. But we men have a larger That being said, much of what is happening today was bound
responsibility to women and to themselves. Most are stepping up: to come about at some point. Women are now speaking out
Those that don’t will find themselves out of the arena. But this against injustice without the fear of doubt or reprisal, or loss of a
level of turmoil isn’t new. It’s the pendulum of societal change. hard-earned career position. This is definitely a positive step for
It’s that dichotomy of the Peace and Love generation who also womenkind. Though, as in any newsworthy event, there may be
brought down a President and ended a war. those who will try to benefit off the pain and suffering of others,
The cliché of ‘older folks’ being afraid of change is simply so we must always be cautious of taking everything at face value.
not true. I am watching this unfold from the front row. I am a The lines need to blur some, and we need to work together
participant in this change. The women’s movement, Me Too!, if we are going to work at all. There are good and bad in both
and so many of the other groups are necessary, if not mandatory. sexes, so no strong lines need to be drawn. What we should do
Voices need to be heard, and actions must be taken. But, it WILL is draw all of us together to fight to right the wrongs. Yes, there
take all of us to build and sustain this power. are many good men like Bob out there who don’t let gender, race,
Again, this isn’t about political differences or the animosity it religion or political affiliation cloud what is often right in front of
creates. their eyes.
Judith has done a miraculous job with San Diego Woman We have come this far in our fight for equality we can’t let
Magazine. She has given voice where there was none. She has divisive times ruin all that we have accomplished. Don’t just
taken action. It is this example of the strength and power of repeat what you hear, get educated. There are many great schools
women I applaud. But, she is one of a large (and growing) group out there, take advantage of them and don’t be afraid to always
of women who will change the world and make it better. Props stand up for what you believe. That is how we as women got the
where they are due. But remember, there are a lot of us guys who rights we currently have. We can’t stop here.
are right there beside you.

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